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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Pioneer B

Re-entered 26 Aug 1966

Pioneer B (NORAD 2398, COSPAR 1966-075A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Aug 1966, launched on 17 Aug 1966 on the Pioneer B mission. It was operated by ARC as part of the Solar Pioneer programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the Solar Pioneer bus, with a mass of 63 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.

1966
launched
1966
re-entered
0
years on orbit
63
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Aug 1966 · on the Pioneer B mission
Operational31 Mar 1995 · entered service
Retired31 Mar 1995 · end of operational service
Re-entered26 Aug 1966 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2398
COSPAR1966-075A
TypeSatellite
OperatorARC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusSolar Pioneer
Mass63 kg
ProgrammeSolar Pioneer
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude369 × -476,422 km
Inclination42.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Pioneer B?

Pioneer B re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Aug 1966, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1966. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Pioneer B re-enter the atmosphere?

Pioneer B re-entered on 26 Aug 1966, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Pioneer B?

Pioneer B was operated by ARC and built by TRW (US).

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