LACROSSE 1

Re-entered 2 Dec 1988

LACROSSE 1 (NORAD 19671, COSPAR 1988-106B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Dec 1988, launched on 2 Dec 1988 on the OV-104 LEO deploy mission. It was operated by NRO / CIA as part of the LACROSSE programme. The spacecraft was built by MMD on the LACROSSE bus, with a mass of 9,000 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

years on orbit

9,000

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched2 Dec 1988 · on the OV-104 LEO deploy mission

Operational25 Mar 1997 · entered service

Retired25 Mar 1997 · end of operational service

Re-entered2 Dec 1988 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID19671

COSPAR1988-106B

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / CIA

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerMMD

BusLACROSSE

Mass9,000 kg (8,500 kg dry)

ProgrammeLACROSSE

CategoryIMG-R

OrbitLEO (LEO/I)

Altitude647 × 711 km

Inclination57.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to LACROSSE 1?

LACROSSE 1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Dec 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 LACROSSE 1 re-enter the atmosphere?

LACROSSE 1 re-entered on 2 Dec 1988, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built LACROSSE 1?

LACROSSE 1 was operated by NRO / CIA and built by MMD (US).

Launched together

OV-104Re-entered 1988

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: OV-104 LEO deploy → What is space debris? →