PasComSat

Re-entered 4 Jan 1978

PasComSat (NORAD 2324, COSPAR 1966-063A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Jan 1978, launched on 14 Jul 1966 on the OV1-8 PasComSat mission. It was operated by OAR as part of the OV1 A programme. The spacecraft was built by GOYR on the 9-m Grid Sphere bus, with a mass of 10 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

1978

re-entered

years on orbit

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Jul 1966 · on the OV1-8 PasComSat mission

Operational14 Jul 1966 · entered service

Retired14 Jul 1966 · end of operational service

Re-entered4 Jan 1978 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2324

COSPAR1966-063A

TypeSatellite

OperatorOAR

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerGOYR

Bus9-m Grid Sphere

Mass10 kg (3 kg dry)

ProgrammeOV1 A

CategoryCOM

OrbitLEO (LEO/R)

Altitude955 × 1,047 km

Inclination144.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to PasComSat?

PasComSat re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Jan 1978, 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 PasComSat re-enter the atmosphere?

PasComSat re-entered on 4 Jan 1978, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built PasComSat?

PasComSat was operated by OAR and built by GOYR (US).

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: OV1-8 PasComSat → What is space debris? →