Enhanced CRYSTAL 2106

Re-entered 1 May 2014

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2106 (NORAD 24680, COSPAR 1996-072A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 May 2014, launched on 20 Dec 1996 on the Improved CRYSTAL 2106 mission. It was operated by NROC as part of the CRYSTAL 3 programme. The spacecraft was built by LMMS/TRW on the IC bus, with a mass of 13,500 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

2014

re-entered

years on orbit

13,500

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Dec 1996 · on the Improved CRYSTAL 2106 mission

Operational1 May 2014 · entered service

Retired1 May 2014 · end of operational service

Re-entered1 May 2014 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24680

COSPAR1996-072A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNROC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMMS/TRW

BusIC

Mass13,500 kg (10,000 kg dry)

ProgrammeCRYSTAL 3

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LEO/S)

Altitude264 × 1,040 km

Inclination97.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Enhanced CRYSTAL 2106?

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2106 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 May 2014, 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 Enhanced CRYSTAL 2106 re-enter the atmosphere?

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2106 re-entered on 1 May 2014, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Enhanced CRYSTAL 2106?

Enhanced CRYSTAL 2106 was operated by NROC and built by LMMS/TRW (US).

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

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: Improved CRYSTAL 2106 → What is space debris? →