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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

AMPTE-UKS

Re-entered 8 Dec 1988

AMPTE-UKS (NORAD 15201, COSPAR 1984-088C) was a UK satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Dec 1988, launched on 16 Aug 1984 on the AMPTE-CCE mission. It was operated by RAL as part of the AMPTE-UKS programme. The spacecraft was built by RAL on the AMPTE-UKS bus, with a mass of 77 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
1988
re-entered
4
years on orbit
77
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Aug 1984 · on the AMPTE-CCE mission
Operational16 Jan 1985 · entered service
Retired16 Jan 1985 · end of operational service
Re-entered8 Dec 1988 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID15201
COSPAR1984-088C
TypeSatellite
OperatorRAL
Country / StateUK
ManufacturerRAL
BusAMPTE-UKS
Mass77 kg (76 kg dry)
ProgrammeAMPTE-UKS
CategorySCI
Orbit (VHEO)
Altitude1,127 × 113,291 km
Inclination27.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AMPTE-UKS?

AMPTE-UKS re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Dec 1988, 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-UKS re-enter the atmosphere?

AMPTE-UKS re-entered on 8 Dec 1988, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AMPTE-UKS?

AMPTE-UKS was operated by RAL and built by RAL (UK).

Launched together

AMPTE-CCENORAD 15199AMPTE-IRMRe-entered 1987
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.
Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: AMPTE-CCE → What is space debris? →