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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

AIMP D

Re-entered 2 Jul 1966

AIMP D (NORAD 2258, COSPAR 1966-058A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Jul 1966, launched on 1 Jul 1966 on the AIMP D mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the IMP programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the AIMP bus, with a mass of 57 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.

1966
launched
1966
re-entered
0
years on orbit
57
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched1 Jul 1966 · on the AIMP D mission
Operational31 May 1971 · entered service
Retired31 May 1971 · end of operational service
Re-entered2 Jul 1966 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2258
COSPAR1966-058A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGSFC
BusAIMP
Mass57 kg
ProgrammeIMP
CategorySCI
OrbitBEO (CLO)
Altitude79,527 × 477,380 km
Inclination21.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AIMP D?

AIMP D re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Jul 1966, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1966. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did AIMP D re-enter the atmosphere?

AIMP D re-entered on 2 Jul 1966, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AIMP D?

AIMP D was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC (US).

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