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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

STRV 1B

Re-entered 7 May 2025

STRV 1B (NORAD 23126, COSPAR 1994-034C) was a UK satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 May 2025, launched on 17 Jun 1994 on the INTELSAT 702 mission. It was operated by DRA as part of the STRV programme. The spacecraft was built by DRA on the STRV bus, with a mass of 53 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
2025
re-entered
31
years on orbit
53
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Jun 1994 · on the INTELSAT 702 mission
Operational1 Sep 1998 · entered service
Retired1 Sep 1998 · end of operational service
Re-entered7 May 2025 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23126
COSPAR1994-034C
TypeSatellite
OperatorDRA
Country / StateUK
ManufacturerDRA
BusSTRV
Mass53 kg
ProgrammeSTRV
CategoryTECH
OrbitHEO (GTO)
Altitude272 × 35,896 km
Inclination7.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to STRV 1B?

STRV 1B re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 May 2025, 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 STRV 1B re-enter the atmosphere?

STRV 1B re-entered on 7 May 2025, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built STRV 1B?

STRV 1B was operated by DRA and built by DRA (UK).

Launched together

INTELSAT VII F2Re-entered 2001STRV 1ANORAD 23125
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.