Pegsat

Re-entered 14 Nov 1998

Pegsat (NORAD 20546, COSPAR 1990-028A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Nov 1998, launched on 5 Apr 1990 on the Pegsat mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the NASA Small programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the Pegsat bus, with a mass of 160 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

1998

re-entered

years on orbit

160

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 Apr 1990 · on the Pegsat mission

Operational1 Jan 1991 · entered service

Retired1 Jan 1991 · end of operational service

Re-entered14 Nov 1998 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID20546

COSPAR1990-028A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerGSFC

BusPegsat

Mass160 kg

ProgrammeNASA Small

CategorySCI

OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)

Altitude460 × 675 km

Inclination94.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Pegsat?

Pegsat re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Nov 1998, 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 Pegsat re-enter the atmosphere?

Pegsat re-entered on 14 Nov 1998, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Pegsat?

Pegsat was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC (US).

Launched together

SECSNORAD 20547

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

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: Pegsat → What is space debris? →