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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

MPF Lander

Re-entered 4 Dec 1996

MPF Lander (NORAD 24667, COSPAR 1996-068A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Dec 1996, launched on 4 Dec 1996 on the MPF Lander mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the Discovery programme. The spacecraft was built by JPL on the MPF bus, with a mass of 398 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
398
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Dec 1996 · on the MPF Lander mission
Operational7 Oct 1997 · entered service
Retired7 Oct 1997 · end of operational service
Re-entered4 Dec 1996 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24667
COSPAR1996-068A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerJPL
BusMPF
Mass398 kg (350 kg dry)
ProgrammeDiscovery
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude184 × -93,761 km
Inclination28.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to MPF Lander?

MPF Lander re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Dec 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 MPF Lander re-enter the atmosphere?

MPF Lander re-entered on 4 Dec 1996, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built MPF Lander?

MPF Lander was operated by JPL and built by JPL (US).

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