Mercury SC13

Re-entered 20 Feb 1962

Mercury SC13 (NORAD 240, COSPAR 1962 GAM 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Feb 1962, launched on 20 Feb 1962. It was operated by NASA as part of the Mercury MA programme. The spacecraft was built by MCDA on the Mercury bus, with a mass of 1,155 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.

1962

launched

1962

re-entered

years on orbit

1,155

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Feb 1962

Operational20 Feb 1962 · entered service

Retired20 Feb 1962 · end of operational service

Re-entered20 Feb 1962 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID240

COSPAR1962 GAM 1

TypeSatellite

OperatorNASA

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerMCDA

BusMercury

Mass1,155 kg

ProgrammeMercury MA

CategorySS

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude149 × 249 km

Inclination32.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mercury SC13?

Mercury SC13 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Feb 1962, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1962. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Mercury SC13 re-enter the atmosphere?

Mercury SC13 re-entered on 20 Feb 1962, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mercury SC13?

Mercury SC13 was operated by NASA and built by MCDA (US).

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

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