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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

SOLAR-A

Re-entered 12 Sep 2005

SOLAR-A (NORAD 21694, COSPAR 1991-062A) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Sep 2005, launched on 30 Aug 1991 on the SOLAR-A mission. It was operated by ISASS as part of the SOLAR programme. The spacecraft was built by ISASS/NEC on the SOLAR-A bus, with a mass of 390 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
2005
re-entered
14
years on orbit
390
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched30 Aug 1991 · on the SOLAR-A mission
Operational14 Dec 2001 · entered service
Retired14 Dec 2001 · end of operational service
Re-entered12 Sep 2005 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID21694
COSPAR1991-062A
TypeSatellite
OperatorISASS
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerISASS/NEC
BusSOLAR-A
Mass390 kg
ProgrammeSOLAR
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude521 × 788 km
Inclination31.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to SOLAR-A?

SOLAR-A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Sep 2005, 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 SOLAR-A re-enter the atmosphere?

SOLAR-A re-entered on 12 Sep 2005, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built SOLAR-A?

SOLAR-A was operated by ISASS and built by ISASS/NEC (J).

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