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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

AMSAT Phase III-C

Re-entered 6 Dec 1996

AMSAT Phase III-C (NORAD 19216, COSPAR 1988-051B) was a D satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Dec 1996, launched on 15 Jun 1988 on the Meteosat P2 mission. It was operated by AMDL as part of the AMSAT P3 programme. The spacecraft was built by AMDL on the AMSAT Phase 3 bus, with a mass of 142 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
1996
re-entered
8
years on orbit
142
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Jun 1988 · on the Meteosat P2 mission
Operational24 Nov 1996 · entered service
Retired24 Nov 1996 · end of operational service
Re-entered6 Dec 1996 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID19216
COSPAR1988-051B
TypeSatellite
OperatorAMDL
Country / StateD
ManufacturerAMDL
BusAMSAT Phase 3
Mass142 kg (92 kg dry)
ProgrammeAMSAT P3
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (GTO)
Altitude2,496 × 36,314 km
Inclination57.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AMSAT Phase III-C?

AMSAT Phase III-C re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Dec 1996, 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 AMSAT Phase III-C re-enter the atmosphere?

AMSAT Phase III-C re-entered on 6 Dec 1996, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AMSAT Phase III-C?

AMSAT Phase III-C was operated by AMDL and built by AMDL (D).

Launched together

Meteosat P2NORAD 19215PAS 1Re-entered 2006
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.