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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

US-PM1 No. 131

Re-entered 3 Dec 1986

US-PM1 No. 131 (NORAD 16648, COSPAR 1986-025A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Dec 1986, launched on 25 Mar 1986 on the US-PM1 mission. It was operated by VMF as part of the US-PM1 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
1986
re-entered
0
years on orbit
3,300
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched25 Mar 1986 · on the US-PM1 mission
Operational3 Dec 1986 · entered service
Retired3 Dec 1986 · end of operational service
Re-entered3 Dec 1986 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID16648
COSPAR1986-025A
TypeSatellite
OperatorVMF
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerARSL/KOMET
BusUS-P
Mass3,300 kg (3,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeUS-PM1
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude416 × 429 km
Inclination73.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to US-PM1 No. 131?

US-PM1 No. 131 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Dec 1986, 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-PM1 No. 131 re-enter the atmosphere?

US-PM1 No. 131 re-entered on 3 Dec 1986, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built US-PM1 No. 131?

US-PM1 No. 131 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.