OGO C

Re-entered 17 Sep 1981

OGO C (NORAD 1620, COSPAR 1965-081A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Sep 1981, launched on 14 Oct 1965 on the OGO C mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the POGO programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the OGO bus, with a mass of 507 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.

1965

launched

1981

re-entered

years on orbit

507

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Oct 1965 · on the OGO C mission

Operational1 Nov 1971 · entered service

Retired1 Nov 1971 · end of operational service

Re-entered17 Sep 1981 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID1620

COSPAR1965-081A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerTRW

BusOGO

Mass507 kg

ProgrammePOGO

CategorySCI

OrbitLEO (LEO/P)

Altitude418 × 1,509 km

Inclination87.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OGO C?

OGO C re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Sep 1981, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1965. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did OGO C re-enter the atmosphere?

OGO C re-entered on 17 Sep 1981, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OGO C?

OGO C was operated by GSFC and built by TRW (US).

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

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