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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

STP P78-1

Re-entered 13 Sep 1985

STP P78-1 (NORAD 11278, COSPAR 1979-017A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Sep 1985, launched on 24 Feb 1979 on the P78-1 mission. It was operated by STP / NRL as part of the STP1 programme. The spacecraft was built by BALL on the OSO bus, with a mass of 875 kg. Like most satellites in low orbits, it was gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until re-entry. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

1979
launched
1985
re-entered
6
years on orbit
875
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Feb 1979 · on the P78-1 mission
Operational13 Sep 1985 · entered service
Retired13 Sep 1985 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Sep 1985 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID11278
COSPAR1979-017A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSTP / NRL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerBALL
BusOSO
Mass875 kg
ProgrammeSTP1
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude558 × 601 km
Inclination97.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to STP P78-1?

STP P78-1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Sep 1985, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1979. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did STP P78-1 re-enter the atmosphere?

STP P78-1 re-entered on 13 Sep 1985, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built STP P78-1?

STP P78-1 was operated by STP / NRL and built by BALL (US).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.