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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

US-PM No. 8L

Re-entered 25 Dec 1989

US-PM No. 8L (NORAD 19647, COSPAR 1988-101A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Dec 1989, launched on 18 Nov 1988 on the US-PM No. 8L mission. It was operated by VMF as part of the US-PM programme. The spacecraft was built by ARSL/KOMET on the US-P bus, with a mass of 3,300 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
1989
re-entered
1
year on orbit
3,300
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Nov 1988 · on the US-PM No. 8L mission
Operational16 Mar 1989 · entered service
Retired27 Nov 1989 · end of operational service
Re-entered25 Dec 1989 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID19647
COSPAR1988-101A
TypeSatellite
OperatorVMF
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerARSL/KOMET
BusUS-P
Mass3,300 kg (3,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeUS-PM
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude404 × 417 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to US-PM No. 8L?

US-PM No. 8L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Dec 1989, 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 US-PM No. 8L re-enter the atmosphere?

US-PM No. 8L re-entered on 25 Dec 1989, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was US-PM No. 8L operational?

US-PM No. 8L was operational for roughly 8 months, from 16 Mar 1989 to 27 Nov 1989.

Who operated and built US-PM No. 8L?

US-PM No. 8L was operated by VMF and built by ARSL/KOMET (SU).

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