AFTRACK 18 (S.T. LOW)
Re-entered 31 Dec 1961AFTRACK 18 (S.T. LOW) (NORAD 218, COSPAR 1961 A LAM 2) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Dec 1961, launched on 22 Dec 1961. It was operated by SAFSP as part of the AFTRACK programme. The spacecraft was built by CHAIL on the AFTRACK bus, with a mass of 5 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to AFTRACK 18 (S.T. LOW)?
AFTRACK 18 (S.T. LOW) re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Dec 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 AFTRACK 18 (S.T. LOW) re-enter the atmosphere?
AFTRACK 18 (S.T. LOW) re-entered on 31 Dec 1961, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built AFTRACK 18 (S.T. LOW)?
AFTRACK 18 (S.T. LOW) was operated by SAFSP and built by CHAIL (US).