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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Mars Observer

Re-entered 26 Sep 1992

Mars Observer (NORAD 22136, COSPAR 1992-063A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Sep 1992, launched on 25 Sep 1992 on the Mars Observer mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the Plan Obs programme. The spacecraft was built by GEEW on the AS4000 bus, with a mass of 2,565 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.

1992
launched
1992
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,565
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched25 Sep 1992 · on the Mars Observer mission
Operational21 Aug 1993 · entered service
Retired21 Aug 1993 · end of operational service
Re-entered26 Sep 1992 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID22136
COSPAR1992-063A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGEEW
BusAS4000
Mass2,565 kg (1,029 kg dry)
ProgrammePlan Obs
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude287 × -78,711 km
Inclination29.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mars Observer?

Mars Observer re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Sep 1992, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1992. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Mars Observer re-enter the atmosphere?

Mars Observer re-entered on 26 Sep 1992, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mars Observer?

Mars Observer was operated by JPL and built by GEEW (US).

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