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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Thrusted V. Sensor Module

Re-entered 2 Apr 1988

Thrusted V. Sensor Module (NORAD 18848, COSPAR 1988-008B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Apr 1988, launched on 8 Feb 1988 on the Canister Cluster mission. It was operated by SDIO as part of the SDIO Delta programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the SDIO Delta 181 bus, with a mass of 2,280 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.

1988
launched
1988
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,280
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched8 Feb 1988 · on the Canister Cluster mission
Operational19 Feb 1988 · entered service
Retired2 Apr 1988 · end of operational service
Re-entered2 Apr 1988 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID18848
COSPAR1988-008B
TypeSatellite
OperatorSDIO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAPL
BusSDIO Delta 181
Mass2,280 kg
ProgrammeSDIO Delta
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude287 × 314 km
Inclination30.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Thrusted V. Sensor Module?

Thrusted V. Sensor Module re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Apr 1988, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1988. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Thrusted V. Sensor Module re-enter the atmosphere?

Thrusted V. Sensor Module re-entered on 2 Apr 1988, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Thrusted V. Sensor Module operational?

Thrusted V. Sensor Module was operational for roughly 1 months, from 19 Feb 1988 to 2 Apr 1988.

Who operated and built Thrusted V. Sensor Module?

Thrusted V. Sensor Module was operated by SDIO and built by APL (US).

Launched together

Canister ClusterRe-entered 1988Delta 181 SP2Re-entered 1988Sensor Calib. Ref. Sat.Re-entered 1988
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.