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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

DSPSE

Re-entered 6 Feb 1994

DSPSE (NORAD 22973, COSPAR 1994-004A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Feb 1994, launched on 25 Jan 1994 on the DSPSE mission. It was operated by BMDO as part of the DSPSE programme. The spacecraft was built by NRL on the DSPSE bus, with a mass of 414 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.

1994
launched
1994
re-entered
0
years on orbit
414
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched25 Jan 1994 · on the DSPSE mission
Operational4 May 1995 · entered service
Retired4 May 1995 · end of operational service
Re-entered6 Feb 1994 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID22973
COSPAR1994-004A
TypeSatellite
OperatorBMDO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNRL
BusDSPSE
Mass414 kg (183 kg dry)
ProgrammeDSPSE
CategoryPLAN
Orbit (VHEO)
Altitude257 × 128,608 km
Inclination66.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to DSPSE?

DSPSE re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Feb 1994, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1994. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did DSPSE re-enter the atmosphere?

DSPSE re-entered on 6 Feb 1994, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built DSPSE?

DSPSE was operated by BMDO and built by NRL (US).

Launched together

Interstage Adapter SatelliteRe-entered 1994
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.