HEAO C

Re-entered 7 Dec 1981

HEAO C (NORAD 11532, COSPAR 1979-082A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Dec 1981, launched on 20 Sep 1979 on the HEAO C mission. It was operated by MSFC as part of the HEAO programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the HEAO bus, with a mass of 2,860 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

1981

re-entered

years on orbit

2,860

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Sep 1979 · on the HEAO C mission

Operational20 May 1981 · entered service

Retired20 May 1981 · end of operational service

Re-entered7 Dec 1981 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID11532

COSPAR1979-082A

TypeSatellite

OperatorMSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerTRW

BusHEAO

Mass2,860 kg

ProgrammeHEAO

CategoryAST

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude481 × 497 km

Inclination43.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEAO C?

HEAO C re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Dec 1981, 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 HEAO C re-enter the atmosphere?

HEAO C re-entered on 7 Dec 1981, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEAO C?

HEAO C was operated by MSFC and built by TRW (US).

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

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: HEAO C → What is space debris? →