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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

ERBS

Re-entered 5 Oct 1984

ERBS (NORAD 15354, COSPAR 1984-108B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Oct 1984, launched on 5 Oct 1984 on the OV-099 LEO deploy mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the ERBS programme. The spacecraft was built by BALL on the ERBS bus, with a mass of 2,245 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
1984
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,245
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 Oct 1984 · on the OV-099 LEO deploy mission
Operational14 Oct 2005 · entered service
Retired14 Oct 2005 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 Oct 1984 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID15354
COSPAR1984-108B
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerBALL
BusERBS
Mass2,245 kg (2,100 kg dry)
ProgrammeERBS
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude596 × 609 km
Inclination57.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ERBS?

ERBS re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Oct 1984, 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 ERBS re-enter the atmosphere?

ERBS re-entered on 5 Oct 1984, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ERBS?

ERBS was operated by GSFC and built by BALL (US).

Launched together

OV-099Re-entered 1984
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.