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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

VRM

Re-entered 5 May 1989

VRM (NORAD 19969, COSPAR 1989-033B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 May 1989, launched on 4 May 1989 on the OV-104 IUS deploy mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the Magellan programme. The spacecraft was built by MMD on the MGN bus, with a mass of 1,207 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
1989
re-entered
0
years on orbit
1,207
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 May 1989 · on the OV-104 IUS deploy mission
Operational12 Oct 1994 · entered service
Retired12 Oct 1994 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 May 1989 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID19969
COSPAR1989-033B
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMMD
BusMGN
Mass1,207 kg (1,035 kg dry)
ProgrammeMagellan
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude300 × -34,312 km
Inclination28.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to VRM?

VRM re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 May 1989, 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 VRM re-enter the atmosphere?

VRM re-entered on 5 May 1989, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built VRM?

VRM was operated by JPL and built by MMD (US).

Launched together

OV-104Re-entered 1989
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.