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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

US-PM No. 3L

Re-entered 17 Nov 1988

US-PM No. 3L (NORAD 16620, COSPAR 1986-021A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Nov 1988, launched on 27 Feb 1986 on the US-PM mission. It was operated by VMF as part of the US-PM programme. The spacecraft was built by ARSL/KOMET on the US-P bus, with a mass of 3,300 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.

1986
launched
1988
re-entered
2
years on orbit
3,300
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched27 Feb 1986 · on the US-PM mission
Operational17 Aug 1987 · entered service
Retired26 Sep 1987 · end of operational service
Re-entered17 Nov 1988 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID16620
COSPAR1986-021A
TypeSatellite
OperatorVMF
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerARSL/KOMET
BusUS-P
Mass3,300 kg (3,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeUS-PM
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude403 × 418 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to US-PM No. 3L?

US-PM No. 3L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Nov 1988, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1986. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did US-PM No. 3L re-enter the atmosphere?

US-PM No. 3L re-entered on 17 Nov 1988, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was US-PM No. 3L operational?

US-PM No. 3L was operational for roughly 1 months, from 17 Aug 1987 to 26 Sep 1987.

Who operated and built US-PM No. 3L?

US-PM No. 3L was operated by VMF and built by ARSL/KOMET (SU).

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