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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

ASTRO-SPAS

Re-entered 20 Nov 1996

ASTRO-SPAS (NORAD 24661, COSPAR 1996-065B) was a D satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Nov 1996, launched on 19 Nov 1996 on the OV-102 Research/FF mission. It was operated by DLR as part of the ASTRO-SPAS programme. The spacecraft was built by DASAO on the SPAS bus, with a mass of 3,572 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
3,572
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched19 Nov 1996 · on the OV-102 Research/FF mission
Operational4 Dec 1996 · entered service
Retired4 Dec 1996 · end of operational service
Re-entered20 Nov 1996 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24661
COSPAR1996-065B
TypeSatellite
OperatorDLR
Country / StateD
ManufacturerDASAO
BusSPAS
Mass3,572 kg
ProgrammeASTRO-SPAS
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude346 × 358 km
Inclination28.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ASTRO-SPAS?

ASTRO-SPAS re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 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 ASTRO-SPAS re-enter the atmosphere?

ASTRO-SPAS re-entered on 20 Nov 1996, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ASTRO-SPAS?

ASTRO-SPAS was operated by DLR and built by DASAO (D).

Launched together

OV-102Re-entered 1996WSFRe-entered 1996
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.