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Project 102 Group 0-D

Re-entered 9 Mar 1962

Project 102 Group 0-D (NORAD 242, COSPAR 1962 DEL) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Mar 1962, launched on 21 Feb 1962. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the SAMOS F-1 programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC/CHAIL on the SAMOS F-1 bus, with a mass of 289 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
0
years on orbit
289
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Feb 1962
Operational27 Feb 1962 · entered service
Retired27 Feb 1962 · end of operational service
Re-entered9 Mar 1962 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID242
COSPAR1962 DEL
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC/CHAIL
BusSAMOS F-1
Mass289 kg
ProgrammeSAMOS F-1
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude169 × 220 km
Inclination81.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Project 102 Group 0-D?

Project 102 Group 0-D re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Mar 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 Project 102 Group 0-D re-enter the atmosphere?

Project 102 Group 0-D re-entered on 9 Mar 1962, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Project 102 Group 0-D?

Project 102 Group 0-D was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC/CHAIL (US).

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