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SFU

Re-entered 13 Jan 1996

SFU (NORAD 23521, COSPAR 1995-011A) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Jan 1996, launched on 18 Mar 1995 on the SFU mission. It was operated by NASDA as part of the SFU programme. The spacecraft was built by NASDA? on the SFU bus, with a mass of 3,486 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.

1995
launched
1996
re-entered
1
year on orbit
3,486
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Mar 1995 · on the SFU mission
Operational13 Jan 1996 · entered service
Retired13 Jan 1996 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Jan 1996 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23521
COSPAR1995-011A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNASDA
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerNASDA?
BusSFU
Mass3,486 kg (2,736 kg dry)
ProgrammeSFU
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude470 × 492 km
Inclination28.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to SFU?

SFU re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Jan 1996, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1995. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did SFU re-enter the atmosphere?

SFU re-entered on 13 Jan 1996, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built SFU?

SFU was operated by NASDA and built by NASDA? (J).

Launched together

GMS 5NORAD 23522
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.