Mercury SC9

Re-entered 29 Nov 1961

Mercury SC9 (NORAD 208, COSPAR 1961 A IOT 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Nov 1961, launched on 29 Nov 1961. It was operated by NASA as part of the Mercury MA programme. The spacecraft was built by MCDA on the Mercury bus, with a mass of 1,100 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

years on orbit

1,100

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched29 Nov 1961

Operational29 Nov 1961 · entered service

Retired29 Nov 1961 · end of operational service

Re-entered29 Nov 1961 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID208

COSPAR1961 A IOT 1

TypeSatellite

OperatorNASA

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerMCDA

BusMercury

Mass1,100 kg

ProgrammeMercury MA

CategorySS

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude158 × 237 km

Inclination32.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mercury SC9?

Mercury SC9 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 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 Mercury SC9 re-enter the atmosphere?

Mercury SC9 re-entered on 29 Nov 1961, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mercury SC9?

Mercury SC9 was operated by NASA and built by MCDA (US).

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

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