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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

OV-105

Re-entered 29 May 1996

OV-105 (NORAD 23870, COSPAR 1996-032A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 May 1996, launched on 19 May 1996 on the OV-105 Research/FF mission. It was operated by JSC as part of the OV-105 programme. The spacecraft was built by RWI on the STS OV bus, with a mass of 98,107 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
0
years on orbit
98,107
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched19 May 1996 · on the OV-105 Research/FF mission
Operational29 May 1996 · entered service
Retired29 May 1996 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 May 1996 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23870
COSPAR1996-032A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRWI
BusSTS OV
Mass98,107 kg (88,845 kg dry)
ProgrammeOV-105
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude278 × 289 km
Inclination39.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OV-105?

OV-105 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 May 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 OV-105 re-enter the atmosphere?

OV-105 re-entered on 29 May 1996, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OV-105?

OV-105 was operated by JSC and built by RWI (US).

Launched together

SPTN-207-IAERe-entered 1996Inflatable Antenna Expt.Re-entered 1996PAMS STURe-entered 1996
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.