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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Subcritical Cryo LN2 Expt

Re-entered 13 Jul 1966

Subcritical Cryo LN2 Expt (NORAD 2291, COSPAR 1966-059B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Jul 1966, launched on 5 Jul 1966 on the Subcritical Cryo LN2 Exp mission. It was operated by MSFC as part of the Saturn E programme. The spacecraft was built by MSFC? on the Fairing bus, with a mass of 1,656 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
1,656
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 Jul 1966 · on the Subcritical Cryo LN2 Exp mission
Operational5 Jul 1966 · entered service
Retired5 Jul 1966 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Jul 1966 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2291
COSPAR1966-059B
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMSFC?
BusFairing
Mass1,656 kg
ProgrammeSaturn E
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude184 × 214 km
Inclination32.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Subcritical Cryo LN2 Expt?

Subcritical Cryo LN2 Expt re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 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 Subcritical Cryo LN2 Expt re-enter the atmosphere?

Subcritical Cryo LN2 Expt re-entered on 13 Jul 1966, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Subcritical Cryo LN2 Expt?

Subcritical Cryo LN2 Expt was operated by MSFC and built by MSFC? (US).

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