OV-103

Re-entered 20 Sep 1994

OV-103 (NORAD 23251, COSPAR 1994-059A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Sep 1994, launched on 9 Sep 1994 on the OV-103 Research/FF mission. It was operated by JSC as part of the OV-103 programme. The spacecraft was built by RWI on the STS OV bus, with a mass of 95,457 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

95,457

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched9 Sep 1994 · on the OV-103 Research/FF mission

Operational20 Sep 1994 · entered service

Retired20 Sep 1994 · end of operational service

Re-entered20 Sep 1994 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23251

COSPAR1994-059A

TypeSatellite

OperatorJSC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerRWI

BusSTS OV

Mass95,457 kg (87,018 kg dry)

ProgrammeOV-103

CategorySS

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude253 × 265 km

Inclination57.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OV-103?

OV-103 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Sep 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 OV-103 re-enter the atmosphere?

OV-103 re-entered on 20 Sep 1994, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OV-103?

OV-103 was operated by JSC and built by RWI (US).

Launched together

SPTN-201Re-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: OV-103 Research/FF → What is space debris? →