HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesIridium SV008
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Iridium SV008

Re-entered 24 Nov 2017

Iridium SV008 (NORAD 24792, COSPAR 1997-020A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 Nov 2017, launched on 5 May 1997 on the Iridium MS-1A mission. It was operated by IRID as part of the Iridium programme. The spacecraft was built by MOTO/LMMS on the LM700 bus, with a mass of 662 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.

1997
launched
2017
re-entered
20
years on orbit
662
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 May 1997 · on the Iridium MS-1A mission
Operational1 Nov 2017 · entered service
Retired1 Nov 2017 · end of operational service
Re-entered24 Nov 2017 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24792
COSPAR1997-020A
TypeSatellite
OperatorIRID
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMOTO/LMMS
BusLM700
Mass662 kg (556 kg dry)
ProgrammeIridium
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LEO/P)
Altitude774 × 780 km
Inclination86.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Iridium SV008?

Iridium SV008 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 Nov 2017, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1997. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Iridium SV008 re-enter the atmosphere?

Iridium SV008 re-entered on 24 Nov 2017, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Iridium SV008?

Iridium SV008 was operated by IRID and built by MOTO/LMMS (US).

Launched together

Iridium SV007NORAD 24793Iridium SV006Re-entered 2017Iridium SV005NORAD 24795Iridium SV004NORAD 24796
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.