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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

US-P No. 121

Re-entered 20 Jun 1982

US-P No. 121 (NORAD 12054, COSPAR 1980-089A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Jun 1982, launched on 4 Nov 1980 on the US-P mission. It was operated by VMF as part of the US-P programme. The spacecraft was built by ARSL/KOMET on the US-P bus, with a mass of 3,300 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.

1980
launched
1982
re-entered
2
years on orbit
3,300
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Nov 1980 · on the US-P mission
Operational8 Mar 1981 · entered service
Retired20 Jun 1982 · end of operational service
Re-entered20 Jun 1982 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID12054
COSPAR1980-089A
TypeSatellite
OperatorVMF
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerARSL/KOMET
BusUS-P
Mass3,300 kg (3,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeUS-P
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude572 × 832 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to US-P No. 121?

US-P No. 121 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Jun 1982, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1980. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did US-P No. 121 re-enter the atmosphere?

US-P No. 121 re-entered on 20 Jun 1982, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was US-P No. 121 operational?

US-P No. 121 was operational for roughly 15 months, from 8 Mar 1981 to 20 Jun 1982.

Who operated and built US-P No. 121?

US-P No. 121 was operated by VMF and built by ARSL/KOMET (SU).

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