HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesUoSAT 1
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

UoSAT 1

Re-entered 13 Oct 1989

UoSAT 1 (NORAD 12888, COSPAR 1981-100B) was a UK satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Oct 1989, launched on 6 Oct 1981 on the Solar Mesosphere Explore mission. It was operated by UOS as part of the UoSAT programme. The spacecraft was built by UOS on the UoSAT bus, with a mass of 52 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
1989
re-entered
8
years on orbit
52
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched6 Oct 1981 · on the Solar Mesosphere Explore mission
Operational12 Oct 1989 · entered service
Retired12 Oct 1989 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Oct 1989 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID12888
COSPAR1981-100B
TypeSatellite
OperatorUOS
Country / StateUK
ManufacturerUOS
BusUoSAT
Mass52 kg
ProgrammeUoSAT
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude483 × 488 km
Inclination97.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to UoSAT 1?

UoSAT 1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Oct 1989, 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 UoSAT 1 re-enter the atmosphere?

UoSAT 1 re-entered on 13 Oct 1989, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built UoSAT 1?

UoSAT 1 was operated by UOS and built by UOS (UK).

Launched together

Solar Mesosphere ExplorerRe-entered 1991
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.