SPTN-206

Re-entered 14 Jan 1996

SPTN-206 (NORAD 23763, COSPAR 1996-001B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Jan 1996, launched on 11 Jan 1996 on the OV-105 Research/FF mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Spartan programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the SPTN-200 bus, with a mass of 1,198 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.

1996

launched

1996

re-entered

years on orbit

1,198

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Jan 1996 · on the OV-105 Research/FF mission

Operational16 Jan 1996 · entered service

Retired16 Jan 1996 · end of operational service

Re-entered14 Jan 1996 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23763

COSPAR1996-001B

TypeSatellite

OperatorGSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerGSFC

BusSPTN-200

Mass1,198 kg

ProgrammeSpartan

CategoryTECH/SCI

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude303 × 311 km

Inclination28.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to SPTN-206?

SPTN-206 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Jan 1996, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1996. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did SPTN-206 re-enter the atmosphere?

SPTN-206 re-entered on 14 Jan 1996, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built SPTN-206?

SPTN-206 was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC (US).

Launched together

OV-105Re-entered 1996

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-105 Research/FF → What is space debris? →