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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

US-PU No. 3L

Re-entered 16 Apr 1991

US-PU No. 3L (NORAD 20259, COSPAR 1989-079A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Apr 1991, launched on 27 Sep 1989 on the US-PU mission. It was operated by VMF as part of the US-PU 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

Launched27 Sep 1989 · on the US-PU mission
Operational11 Apr 1991 · entered service
Retired11 Apr 1991 · end of operational service
Re-entered16 Apr 1991 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID20259
COSPAR1989-079A
TypeSatellite
OperatorVMF
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerARSL/KOMET
BusUS-P
Mass3,300 kg (3,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeUS-PU
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude403 × 418 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to US-PU No. 3L?

US-PU No. 3L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Apr 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-PU No. 3L re-enter the atmosphere?

US-PU No. 3L re-entered on 16 Apr 1991, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built US-PU No. 3L?

US-PU No. 3L 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.