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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

MGS

Re-entered 8 Nov 1996

MGS (NORAD 24648, COSPAR 1996-062A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Nov 1996, launched on 7 Nov 1996 on the MGS mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the Mars Surveyor programme. The spacecraft was built by LMA on the MGS bus, with a mass of 1,062 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
1996
re-entered
0
years on orbit
1,062
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched7 Nov 1996 · on the MGS mission
Operational2 Nov 2006 · entered service
Retired2 Nov 2006 · end of operational service
Re-entered8 Nov 1996 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24648
COSPAR1996-062A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMA
BusMGS
Mass1,062 kg (674 kg dry)
ProgrammeMars Surveyor
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude184 × -97,283 km
Inclination28.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to MGS?

MGS re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Nov 1996, 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 MGS re-enter the atmosphere?

MGS re-entered on 8 Nov 1996, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built MGS?

MGS was operated by JPL and built by LMA (US).

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