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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

DM 43 Sensor Module

Re-entered 25 Nov 1986

DM 43 Sensor Module (NORAD 16938, COSPAR 1986-069B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Nov 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 Delta bus, with a mass of 450 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
450
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-entered25 Nov 1986 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID16938
COSPAR1986-069B
TypeSatellite
OperatorSDIO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMDAC
BusSDIO Delta
Mass450 kg
ProgrammeSDIO Delta
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/E)
Altitude215 × 539 km
Inclination22.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to DM 43 Sensor Module?

DM 43 Sensor Module re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Nov 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 DM 43 Sensor Module re-enter the atmosphere?

DM 43 Sensor Module re-entered on 25 Nov 1986, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built DM 43 Sensor Module?

DM 43 Sensor Module was operated by SDIO and built by MDAC (US).

Launched together

Payload Adapter SystemRe-entered 1986
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.