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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

US-PM No. 14L

Re-entered 6 Jan 1991

US-PM No. 14L (NORAD 20147, COSPAR 1989-058A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Jan 1991, launched on 24 Jul 1989 on the US-PM No. 14L 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.

1989
launched
1991
re-entered
2
years on orbit
3,300
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Jul 1989 · on the US-PM No. 14L mission
Operational21 Dec 1990 · entered service
Retired24 Dec 1990 · end of operational service
Re-entered6 Jan 1991 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID20147
COSPAR1989-058A
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. 14L?

US-PM No. 14L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Jan 1991, 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 US-PM No. 14L re-enter the atmosphere?

US-PM No. 14L re-entered on 6 Jan 1991, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built US-PM No. 14L?

US-PM No. 14L 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.