USA 123
Re-entered 1 Jan 2026USA 123 (NORAD 23936, COSPAR 1996-029E) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 2026, launched on 12 May 1996 on the SLDCOM 4/INTRUDER 4 mission. It is catalogued as TIPS Ralph. It was operated by NRO / NRL as part of the TIPS programme. The spacecraft was built by NRL on the TIPS bus, with a mass of 38 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to USA 123?
USA 123 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 2026, 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 USA 123 re-enter the atmosphere?
USA 123 re-entered on 1 Jan 2026, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built USA 123?
USA 123 was operated by NRO / NRL and built by NRL (US).