HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesAMPTE-IRM
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

AMPTE-IRM

Re-entered 8 Dec 1987

AMPTE-IRM (NORAD 15200, COSPAR 1984-088B) was a D satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Dec 1987, launched on 16 Aug 1984 on the AMPTE-CCE mission. It was operated by DFVLR as part of the DLR Chem programme. The spacecraft was built by MPE on the AMPTE-IRM bus, with a mass of 298 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.

1984
launched
1987
re-entered
3
years on orbit
298
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Aug 1984 · on the AMPTE-CCE mission
Operational14 Aug 1986 · entered service
Retired14 Aug 1986 · end of operational service
Re-entered8 Dec 1987 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID15200
COSPAR1984-088B
TypeSatellite
OperatorDFVLR
Country / StateD
ManufacturerMPE
BusAMPTE-IRM
Mass298 kg
ProgrammeDLR Chem
CategorySCI
Orbit (VHEO)
Altitude896 × 113,396 km
Inclination27.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AMPTE-IRM?

AMPTE-IRM re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Dec 1987, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1984. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did AMPTE-IRM re-enter the atmosphere?

AMPTE-IRM re-entered on 8 Dec 1987, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AMPTE-IRM?

AMPTE-IRM was operated by DFVLR and built by MPE (D).

Launched together

AMPTE-CCENORAD 15199AMPTE-UKSRe-entered 1988
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.