HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesUS-PM1 No. 126
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

US-PM1 No. 126

Re-entered 18 Feb 1988

US-PM1 No. 126 (NORAD 16895, COSPAR 1986-059A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Feb 1988, launched on 4 Aug 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
1988
re-entered
2
years on orbit
3,300
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Aug 1986 · on the US-PM1 mission
Operational6 Aug 1987 · entered service
Retired6 Aug 1987 · end of operational service
Re-entered18 Feb 1988 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID16895
COSPAR1986-059A
TypeSatellite
OperatorVMF
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerARSL/KOMET
BusUS-P
Mass3,300 kg (3,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeUS-PM1
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude429 × 442 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to US-PM1 No. 126?

US-PM1 No. 126 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Feb 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-PM1 No. 126 re-enter the atmosphere?

US-PM1 No. 126 re-entered on 18 Feb 1988, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built US-PM1 No. 126?

US-PM1 No. 126 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.