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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

NASA P-34

Re-entered 28 Jan 1962

NASA P-34 (NORAD 221, COSPAR 1962 ALP 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Jan 1962, launched on 26 Jan 1962. It was operated by JPL as part of the Ranger II programme. The spacecraft was built by JPL on the Ranger Block II bus, with a mass of 188 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.

1962
launched
1962
re-entered
0
years on orbit
188
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched26 Jan 1962
Operational2 Feb 1962 · entered service
Retired2 Feb 1962 · end of operational service
Re-entered28 Jan 1962 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID221
COSPAR1962 ALP 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerJPL
BusRanger Block II
Mass188 kg
ProgrammeRanger II
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Inclination29.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to NASA P-34?

NASA P-34 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Jan 1962, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1962. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did NASA P-34 re-enter the atmosphere?

NASA P-34 re-entered on 28 Jan 1962, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built NASA P-34?

NASA P-34 was operated by JPL and built by JPL (US).

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