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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Delta Star

Re-entered 23 Jun 1992

Delta Star (NORAD 19911, COSPAR 1989-026A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Jun 1992, launched on 24 Mar 1989 on the Delta Star mission. It was operated by SDIO as part of the SDIO Delta programme. The spacecraft was built by MDAC on the Delta Star bus, with a mass of 2,600 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.

1989
launched
1992
re-entered
3
years on orbit
2,600
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Mar 1989 · on the Delta Star mission
Operational27 Dec 1989 · entered service
Retired27 Dec 1989 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Jun 1992 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID19911
COSPAR1989-026A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSDIO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMDAC
BusDelta Star
Mass2,600 kg (2,156 kg dry)
ProgrammeSDIO Delta
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude483 × 501 km
Inclination47.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Delta Star?

Delta Star re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Jun 1992, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1989. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Delta Star re-enter the atmosphere?

Delta Star re-entered on 23 Jun 1992, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Delta Star?

Delta Star was operated by SDIO and built by MDAC (US).

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