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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

US-P No. 123

Re-entered 29 Sep 1982

US-P No. 123 (NORAD 12631, COSPAR 1981-072A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Sep 1982, launched on 4 Aug 1981 on the US-PM1 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.

1981
launched
1982
re-entered
1
year on orbit
3,300
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Aug 1981 · on the US-PM1 mission
Operational28 Oct 1981 · entered service
Retired1 Mar 1982 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 Sep 1982 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID12631
COSPAR1981-072A
TypeSatellite
OperatorVMF
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerARSL/KOMET
BusUS-P
Mass3,300 kg (3,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeUS-P
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude428 × 443 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to US-P No. 123?

US-P No. 123 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Sep 1982, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1981. 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. 123 re-enter the atmosphere?

US-P No. 123 re-entered on 29 Sep 1982, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was US-P No. 123 operational?

US-P No. 123 was operational for roughly 4 months, from 28 Oct 1981 to 1 Mar 1982.

Who operated and built US-P No. 123?

US-P No. 123 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.