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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

US-PM No. 16L

Re-entered 13 May 1996

US-PM No. 16L (NORAD 23336, COSPAR 1994-072A) was a RU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 May 1996, launched on 2 Nov 1994 on the US-PM mission. It was operated by VMFR as part of the US-PM programme. The spacecraft was built by ARSL/KOMET on the US-P bus, with a mass of 3,400 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
1996
re-entered
2
years on orbit
3,400
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched2 Nov 1994 · on the US-PM mission
Operational26 Mar 1996 · entered service
Retired26 Mar 1996 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 May 1996 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23336
COSPAR1994-072A
TypeSatellite
OperatorVMFR
Country / StateRU
ManufacturerARSL/KOMET
BusUS-P
Mass3,400 kg (3,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeUS-PM
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude403 × 417 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to US-PM No. 16L?

US-PM No. 16L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 May 1996, 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 US-PM No. 16L re-enter the atmosphere?

US-PM No. 16L re-entered on 13 May 1996, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built US-PM No. 16L?

US-PM No. 16L was operated by VMFR and built by ARSL/KOMET (RU).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.