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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

US-PU No. 5L

Re-entered 1 Jan 1999

US-PU No. 5L (NORAD 24670, COSPAR 1996-069A) was a RU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 1999, launched on 11 Dec 1996 on the US-PU mission. It was operated by VMFR as part of the US-PU programme. The spacecraft was built by ARSL/KOMET on the US-P bus, with a mass of 3,400 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
1999
re-entered
3
years on orbit
3,400
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Dec 1996 · on the US-PU mission
Operational6 Dec 1998 · entered service
Retired9 Dec 1998 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Jan 1999 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24670
COSPAR1996-069A
TypeSatellite
OperatorVMFR
Country / StateRU
ManufacturerARSL/KOMET
BusUS-P
Mass3,400 kg (3,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeUS-PU
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude401 × 417 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to US-PU No. 5L?

US-PU No. 5L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 1999, 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 US-PU No. 5L re-enter the atmosphere?

US-PU No. 5L re-entered on 1 Jan 1999, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built US-PU No. 5L?

US-PU No. 5L was operated by VMFR and built by ARSL/KOMET (RU).

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