ONYX 2

Re-entered 26 Mar 2011

ONYX 2 (NORAD 21147, COSPAR 1991-017A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Mar 2011, launched on 8 Mar 1991 on the LACROSSE 2 mission. It was operated by NRO / CIA as part of the LACROSSE programme. The spacecraft was built by MMD on the LACROSSE bus, with a mass of 9,000 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.

1991

launched

2011

re-entered

years on orbit

9,000

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched8 Mar 1991 · on the LACROSSE 2 mission

Operational26 Mar 2011 · entered service

Retired26 Mar 2011 · end of operational service

Re-entered26 Mar 2011 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID21147

COSPAR1991-017A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / CIA

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerMMD

BusLACROSSE

Mass9,000 kg (8,500 kg dry)

ProgrammeLACROSSE

CategoryIMG-R

OrbitLEO (LEO/I)

Altitude672 × 676 km

Inclination68.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ONYX 2?

ONYX 2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Mar 2011, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1991. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did ONYX 2 re-enter the atmosphere?

ONYX 2 re-entered on 26 Mar 2011, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ONYX 2?

ONYX 2 was operated by NRO / CIA and built by MMD (US).

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: LACROSSE 2 → What is space debris? →