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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

US-PM No. 6L

Re-entered 30 Aug 1992

US-PM No. 6L (NORAD 20765, COSPAR 1990-075A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 Aug 1992, launched on 23 Aug 1990 on the US-PM No. 6L 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
1992
re-entered
2
years on orbit
3,300
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched23 Aug 1990 · on the US-PM No. 6L mission
Operational31 Dec 1991 · entered service
Retired31 Jul 1992 · end of operational service
Re-entered30 Aug 1992 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID20765
COSPAR1990-075A
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. 6L?

US-PM No. 6L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 Aug 1992, 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. 6L re-enter the atmosphere?

US-PM No. 6L re-entered on 30 Aug 1992, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was US-PM No. 6L operational?

US-PM No. 6L was operational for roughly 7 months, from 31 Dec 1991 to 31 Jul 1992.

Who operated and built US-PM No. 6L?

US-PM No. 6L 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.