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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Payload Adapter System

Re-entered 5 Sep 1986

Payload Adapter System (NORAD 16937, COSPAR 1986-069A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Sep 1986, launched on 5 Sep 1986 on the Payload Adapter System mission. It was operated by SDIO as part of the SDIO Delta programme. The spacecraft was built by MDAC on the SDIO PAS bus, with a mass of 1,100 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
1,100
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 Sep 1986 · on the Payload Adapter System mission
Operational5 Sep 1986 · entered service
Retired5 Sep 1986 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 Sep 1986 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID16937
COSPAR1986-069A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSDIO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMDAC
BusSDIO PAS
Mass1,100 kg (930 kg dry)
ProgrammeSDIO Delta
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude207 × 691 km
Inclination39.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Payload Adapter System?

Payload Adapter System re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Sep 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 Payload Adapter System re-enter the atmosphere?

Payload Adapter System re-entered on 5 Sep 1986, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Payload Adapter System?

Payload Adapter System was operated by SDIO and built by MDAC (US).

Launched together

DM 43 Sensor ModuleRe-entered 1986
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.