OV-102

Re-entered 5 Nov 1995

OV-102 (NORAD 23688, COSPAR 1995-056A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Nov 1995, launched on 20 Oct 1995 on the OV-102 Spacelab mission. It was operated by JSC as part of the OV-102 programme. The spacecraft was built by RWI on the STS OV bus, with a mass of 97,995 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

1995

re-entered

years on orbit

97,995

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Oct 1995 · on the OV-102 Spacelab mission

Operational5 Nov 1995 · entered service

Retired5 Nov 1995 · end of operational service

Re-entered5 Nov 1995 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23688

COSPAR1995-056A

TypeSatellite

OperatorJSC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerRWI

BusSTS OV

Mass97,995 kg (92,211 kg dry)

ProgrammeOV-102

CategorySS

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude262 × 273 km

Inclination39.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OV-102?

OV-102 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Nov 1995, 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 OV-102 re-enter the atmosphere?

OV-102 re-entered on 5 Nov 1995, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OV-102?

OV-102 was operated by JSC and built by RWI (US).

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-102 Spacelab → What is space debris? →