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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

TDA 1A

Re-entered 29 Dec 1966

TDA 1A (NORAD 2348, COSPAR 1966-065A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Dec 1966, launched on 18 Jul 1966 on the TDA 1A mission. It was operated by MSC as part of the TDA programme. The spacecraft was built by MCDA on the TDA bus, with a mass of 559 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
1966
re-entered
0
years on orbit
559
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Jul 1966 · on the TDA 1A mission
Operational25 Jul 1966 · entered service
Retired25 Jul 1966 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 Dec 1966 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2348
COSPAR1966-065A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMCDA
BusTDA
Mass559 kg
ProgrammeTDA
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude301 × 317 km
Inclination28.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to TDA 1A?

TDA 1A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Dec 1966, 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 TDA 1A re-enter the atmosphere?

TDA 1A re-entered on 29 Dec 1966, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built TDA 1A?

TDA 1A was operated by MSC and built by MCDA (US).

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