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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

MSTI 3

Re-entered 11 Dec 1997

MSTI 3 (NORAD 23868, COSPAR 1996-031A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Dec 1997, launched on 17 May 1996 on the MSTI 3 mission. It was operated by AFPLH as part of the MSTI programme. The spacecraft was built by SPA on the SA-200S bus, with a mass of 211 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
1997
re-entered
1
year on orbit
211
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 May 1996 · on the MSTI 3 mission
Operational7 Dec 1997 · entered service
Retired11 Dec 1997 · end of operational service
Re-entered11 Dec 1997 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23868
COSPAR1996-031A
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFPLH
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPA
BusSA-200S
Mass211 kg (190 kg dry)
ProgrammeMSTI
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude420 × 435 km
Inclination97.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to MSTI 3?

MSTI 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Dec 1997, 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 MSTI 3 re-enter the atmosphere?

MSTI 3 re-entered on 11 Dec 1997, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built MSTI 3?

MSTI 3 was operated by AFPLH and built by SPA (US).

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