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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

SPTN-201

Re-entered 13 Sep 1994

SPTN-201 (NORAD 23253, COSPAR 1994-059B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Sep 1994, launched on 9 Sep 1994 on the OV-103 Research/FF mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Spartan programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the SPTN-200 bus, with a mass of 1,288 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
1,288
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched9 Sep 1994 · on the OV-103 Research/FF mission
Operational15 Sep 1994 · entered service
Retired15 Sep 1994 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Sep 1994 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23253
COSPAR1994-059B
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGSFC
BusSPTN-200
Mass1,288 kg
ProgrammeSpartan
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude252 × 265 km
Inclination57.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to SPTN-201?

SPTN-201 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 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 SPTN-201 re-enter the atmosphere?

SPTN-201 re-entered on 13 Sep 1994, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built SPTN-201?

SPTN-201 was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC (US).

Launched together

OV-103Re-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? →