Interstage Adapter Satellite

Re-entered 8 Jun 1994

Interstage Adapter Satellite (NORAD 22987, COSPAR 1994-004C) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Jun 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 MDAC on the ISA bus, with a mass of 45 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

years on orbit

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched25 Jan 1994 · on the DSPSE mission

Operational12 May 1994 · entered service

Retired12 May 1994 · end of operational service

Re-entered8 Jun 1994 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID22987

COSPAR1994-004C

TypeSatellite

OperatorBMDO

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerMDAC

BusISA

Mass45 kg

ProgrammeDSPSE

CategorySCI

Orbit (VHEO)

Altitude397 × 126,958 km

Inclination65.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Interstage Adapter Satellite?

Interstage Adapter Satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Jun 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 Interstage Adapter Satellite re-enter the atmosphere?

Interstage Adapter Satellite re-entered on 8 Jun 1994, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Interstage Adapter Satellite?

Interstage Adapter Satellite was operated by BMDO and built by MDAC (US).

Launched together

DSPSERe-entered 1994

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: DSPSE → What is space debris? →