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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

NASA S-55A

Re-entered 28 Aug 1961

NASA S-55A (NORAD 180, COSPAR 1961 CHI) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Aug 1961, launched on 25 Aug 1961. It was operated by LARCN as part of the Explorer MME programme. The spacecraft was built by LARCN on the S-55 bus, with a mass of 62 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.

1961
launched
1961
re-entered
0
years on orbit
62
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched25 Aug 1961
Operational28 Aug 1961 · entered service
Retired28 Aug 1961 · end of operational service
Re-entered28 Aug 1961 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID180
COSPAR1961 CHI
TypeSatellite
OperatorLARCN
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLARCN
BusS-55
Mass62 kg
ProgrammeExplorer MME
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude125 × 1,164 km
Inclination37.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to NASA S-55A?

NASA S-55A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Aug 1961, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1961. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did NASA S-55A re-enter the atmosphere?

NASA S-55A re-entered on 28 Aug 1961, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built NASA S-55A?

NASA S-55A was operated by LARCN and built by LARCN (US).

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