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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

PLANET-A

Re-entered 19 Aug 1985

PLANET-A (NORAD 15967, COSPAR 1985-073A) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Aug 1985, launched on 18 Aug 1985 on the PLANET-A mission. It was operated by ISASM as part of the ISAS Planet programme. The spacecraft was built by ISASM on the PLANET-A bus, with a mass of 135 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
1985
re-entered
0
years on orbit
135
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Aug 1985 · on the PLANET-A mission
Operational22 Feb 1991 · entered service
Retired22 Feb 1991 · end of operational service
Re-entered19 Aug 1985 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID15967
COSPAR1985-073A
TypeSatellite
OperatorISASM
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerISASM
BusPLANET-A
Mass135 kg (125 kg dry)
ProgrammeISAS Planet
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude217 × -102,446 km
Inclination31.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to PLANET-A?

PLANET-A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Aug 1985, 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 PLANET-A re-enter the atmosphere?

PLANET-A re-entered on 19 Aug 1985, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built PLANET-A?

PLANET-A was operated by ISASM and built by ISASM (J).

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