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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Improved CRYSTAL 2102

Re-entered 1 Jun 1992

Improved CRYSTAL 2102 (NORAD 18441, COSPAR 1987-090A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jun 1992, launched on 26 Oct 1987 on the Improved CRYSTAL 2102 mission. It was operated by NRO / CIA as part of the CRYSTAL 2 programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the IC bus, with a mass of 8,500 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
1992
re-entered
5
years on orbit
8,500
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched26 Oct 1987 · on the Improved CRYSTAL 2102 mission
Operational1 Jun 1992 · entered service
Retired1 Jun 1992 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Jun 1992 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID18441
COSPAR1987-090A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / CIA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusIC
Mass8,500 kg
ProgrammeCRYSTAL 2
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude277 × 985 km
Inclination97.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Improved CRYSTAL 2102?

Improved CRYSTAL 2102 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jun 1992, 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 Improved CRYSTAL 2102 re-enter the atmosphere?

Improved CRYSTAL 2102 re-entered on 1 Jun 1992, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Improved CRYSTAL 2102?

Improved CRYSTAL 2102 was operated by NRO / CIA and built by TRW (US).

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