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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Microsat 3

Re-entered 24 Jan 1992

Microsat 3 (NORAD 21582, COSPAR 1991-051C) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 Jan 1992, launched on 17 Jul 1991 on the Microsat 1 mission. It was operated by DARPA as part of the DARPA Light programme. The spacecraft was built by DSI on the Picostar bus, with a mass of 21 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
1992
re-entered
1
year on orbit
21
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Jul 1991 · on the Microsat 1 mission
Operational1 Jan 1992 · entered service
Retired24 Jan 1992 · end of operational service
Re-entered24 Jan 1992 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID21582
COSPAR1991-051C
TypeSatellite
OperatorDARPA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerDSI
BusPicostar
Mass21 kg (19 kg dry)
ProgrammeDARPA Light
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude348 × 429 km
Inclination82.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Microsat 3?

Microsat 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 Jan 1992, 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 Microsat 3 re-enter the atmosphere?

Microsat 3 re-entered on 24 Jan 1992, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Microsat 3?

Microsat 3 was operated by DARPA and built by DSI (US).

Launched together

Microsat 1Re-entered 1992Microsat 2Re-entered 1992Microsat 4Re-entered 1992Microsat 5Re-entered 1992Microsat 6Re-entered 1992Microsat 7Re-entered 1992
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.