HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesNusat
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Nusat

Re-entered 15 Dec 1986

Nusat (NORAD 15666, COSPAR 1985-034B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Dec 1986, launched on 29 Apr 1985 on the OV-099 Spacelab mission. It was operated by WEBC as part of the Nusat programme. The spacecraft was built by WEBC on the Nusat bus, with a mass of 48 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.

1985
launched
1986
re-entered
1
year on orbit
48
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched29 Apr 1985 · on the OV-099 Spacelab mission
Operational1 Dec 1986 · entered service
Retired1 Dec 1986 · end of operational service
Re-entered15 Dec 1986 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID15666
COSPAR1985-034B
TypeSatellite
OperatorWEBC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerWEBC
BusNusat
Mass48 kg
ProgrammeNusat
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude339 × 356 km
Inclination57.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Nusat?

Nusat re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Dec 1986, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1985. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Nusat re-enter the atmosphere?

Nusat re-entered on 15 Dec 1986, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Nusat?

Nusat was operated by WEBC and built by WEBC (US).

Launched together

OV-099Re-entered 1985
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.