ASTRO-C

Re-entered 1 Nov 1991

ASTRO-C (NORAD 17480, COSPAR 1987-012A) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Nov 1991, launched on 5 Feb 1987 on the ASTRO-C mission. It was operated by ISASM as part of the ASTRO programme. The spacecraft was built by ISASM on the ASTRO-C bus, with a mass of 420 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.

1987

launched

1991

re-entered

years on orbit

420

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 Feb 1987 · on the ASTRO-C mission

Operational1 Nov 1991 · entered service

Retired1 Nov 1991 · end of operational service

Re-entered1 Nov 1991 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID17480

COSPAR1987-012A

TypeSatellite

OperatorISASM

Country / StateJ

ManufacturerISASM

BusASTRO-C

Mass420 kg

ProgrammeASTRO

CategoryAST

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude509 × 673 km

Inclination31.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ASTRO-C?

ASTRO-C re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Nov 1991, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1987. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did ASTRO-C re-enter the atmosphere?

ASTRO-C re-entered on 1 Nov 1991, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ASTRO-C?

ASTRO-C was operated by ISASM and built by ISASM (J).

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

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: ASTRO-C → What is space debris? →