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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

NASA P-33

Re-entered 20 Nov 1961

NASA P-33 (NORAD 206, COSPAR 1961 A THE) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Nov 1961, launched on 18 Nov 1961. It was operated by JPL as part of the Ranger I programme. The spacecraft was built by JPL on the Ranger Block I bus, with a mass of 306 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.

1961
launched
1961
re-entered
0
years on orbit
306
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Nov 1961
Operational19 Nov 1961 · entered service
Retired19 Nov 1961 · end of operational service
Re-entered20 Nov 1961 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID206
COSPAR1961 A THE
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerJPL
BusRanger Block I
Mass306 kg
ProgrammeRanger I
CategoryPLAN
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude149 × 169 km
Inclination33.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to NASA P-33?

NASA P-33 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Nov 1961, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1961. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did NASA P-33 re-enter the atmosphere?

NASA P-33 re-entered on 20 Nov 1961, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built NASA P-33?

NASA P-33 was operated by JPL and built by JPL (US).

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