Enhanced CRYSTAL 2105

Re-entered 18 Nov 2008

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2105 (NORAD 23728, COSPAR 1995-066A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Nov 2008, launched on 5 Dec 1995 on the Improved CRYSTAL 2105 mission. It was operated by NROC / CIA as part of the CRYSTAL 3 programme. The spacecraft was built by LMMS/TRW on the IC bus, with a mass of 13,500 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

2008

re-entered

years on orbit

13,500

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 Dec 1995 · on the Improved CRYSTAL 2105 mission

Operational18 Nov 2008 · entered service

Retired18 Nov 2008 · end of operational service

Re-entered18 Nov 2008 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23728

COSPAR1995-066A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNROC / CIA

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMMS/TRW

BusIC

Mass13,500 kg (10,000 kg dry)

ProgrammeCRYSTAL 3

CategoryIMG*

OrbitLEO (LEO/S)

Altitude409 × 1,012 km

Inclination97.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Enhanced CRYSTAL 2105?

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2105 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Nov 2008, 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 Enhanced CRYSTAL 2105 re-enter the atmosphere?

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2105 re-entered on 18 Nov 2008, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Enhanced CRYSTAL 2105?

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2105 was operated by NROC / CIA and built by LMMS/TRW (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: Improved CRYSTAL 2105 → What is space debris? →