Enhanced CRYSTAL 2104

Re-entered 5 Jun 2000

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2104 (NORAD 22251, COSPAR 1992-083A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Jun 2000, launched on 28 Nov 1992 on the Improved CRYSTAL 2104 mission. It was operated by NRO / CIA as part of the CRYSTAL 3 programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the IC bus, with a mass of 13,500 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

2000

re-entered

years on orbit

13,500

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched28 Nov 1992 · on the Improved CRYSTAL 2104 mission

Operational5 Jun 2000 · entered service

Retired5 Jun 2000 · end of operational service

Re-entered5 Jun 2000 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID22251

COSPAR1992-083A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / CIA

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC

BusIC

Mass13,500 kg (10,000 kg dry)

ProgrammeCRYSTAL 3

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LEO/S)

Altitude264 × 1,013 km

Inclination97.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Enhanced CRYSTAL 2104?

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2104 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Jun 2000, 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 Enhanced CRYSTAL 2104 re-enter the atmosphere?

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2104 re-entered on 5 Jun 2000, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Enhanced CRYSTAL 2104?

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2104 was operated by NRO / CIA and built by LMSC (US).

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

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: Improved CRYSTAL 2104 → What is space debris? →