Enhanced CRYSTAL 2103

Re-entered 1 May 1996

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2103 (NORAD 19625, COSPAR 1988-099A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 May 1996, launched on 6 Nov 1988 on the Improved CRYSTAL 2103 mission. It was operated by NRO / CIA as part of the CRYSTAL 3 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.

1988

launched

1996

re-entered

years on orbit

8,500

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched6 Nov 1988 · on the Improved CRYSTAL 2103 mission

Operational1 May 1996 · entered service

Retired1 May 1996 · end of operational service

Re-entered1 May 1996 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID19625

COSPAR1988-099A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / CIA

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerTRW

BusIC

Mass8,500 kg

ProgrammeCRYSTAL 3

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)

Altitude302 × 884 km

Inclination97.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Enhanced CRYSTAL 2103?

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2103 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 May 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 Enhanced CRYSTAL 2103 re-enter the atmosphere?

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2103 re-entered on 1 May 1996, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Enhanced CRYSTAL 2103?

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2103 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.

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: Improved CRYSTAL 2103 → What is space debris? →