HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesUS-PM No. 12L
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

US-PM No. 12L

Re-entered 1 Sep 1991

US-PM No. 12L (NORAD 20525, COSPAR 1990-022A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Sep 1991, launched on 14 Mar 1990 on the US-PM 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.

1990
launched
1991
re-entered
1
year on orbit
3,300
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Mar 1990 · on the US-PM mission
Operational22 Aug 1991 · entered service
Retired22 Aug 1991 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Sep 1991 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID20525
COSPAR1990-022A
TypeSatellite
OperatorVMF
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerARSL/KOMET
BusUS-P
Mass3,300 kg (3,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeUS-PM
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude403 × 417 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to US-PM No. 12L?

US-PM No. 12L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Sep 1991, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1990. 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. 12L re-enter the atmosphere?

US-PM No. 12L re-entered on 1 Sep 1991, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built US-PM No. 12L?

US-PM No. 12L 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.