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IMP C

Re-entered 30 May 1965

IMP C (NORAD 1388, COSPAR 1965-042A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 May 1965, launched on 29 May 1965 on the IMP C mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the IMP programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the IMP bus, with a mass of 59 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.

1965
launched
1965
re-entered
0
years on orbit
59
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched29 May 1965 · on the IMP C mission
Operational11 May 1967 · entered service
Retired11 May 1967 · end of operational service
Re-entered30 May 1965 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID1388
COSPAR1965-042A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGSFC
BusIMP
Mass59 kg
ProgrammeIMP
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (DSO)
Altitude195 × 264,252 km
Inclination33.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to IMP C?

IMP C re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 May 1965, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1965. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did IMP C re-enter the atmosphere?

IMP C re-entered on 30 May 1965, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built IMP C?

IMP C was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC (US).

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