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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

QUASAR 10

Re-entered 1 Jan 2011

QUASAR 10 (NORAD 23945, COSPAR 1996-038A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 2011, launched on 3 Jul 1996 on the QUASAR 11? mission. It was operated by NROC / AFSMC as part of the SDS-B programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-389? bus, with a mass of 5,852 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
2011
re-entered
15
years on orbit
5,852
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Jul 1996 · on the QUASAR 11? mission
Operational1 Jan 2006 · entered service
Retired1 Aug 2010 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Jan 2011 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23945
COSPAR1996-038A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNROC / AFSMC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusHS-389?
Mass5,852 kg (4,500 kg dry)
ProgrammeSDS-B
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (GTO)
Altitude1,020 × 39,327 km
Inclination64.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to QUASAR 10?

QUASAR 10 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 2011, 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 QUASAR 10 re-enter the atmosphere?

QUASAR 10 re-entered on 1 Jan 2011, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was QUASAR 10 operational?

QUASAR 10 was operational for roughly 5 years, from 1 Jan 2006 to 1 Aug 2010.

Who operated and built QUASAR 10?

QUASAR 10 was operated by NROC / AFSMC and built by HSES (US).

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