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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Iridium SV006

Re-entered 23 Dec 2017

Iridium SV006 (NORAD 24794, COSPAR 1997-020C) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Dec 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
Operational19 Nov 2017 · entered service
Retired3 Dec 2017 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Dec 2017 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24794
COSPAR1997-020C
TypeSatellite
OperatorIRID
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMOTO/LMMS
BusLM700
Mass662 kg (556 kg dry)
ProgrammeIridium
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LEO/P)
Altitude773 × 782 km
Inclination86.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Iridium SV006?

Iridium SV006 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Dec 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 SV006 re-enter the atmosphere?

Iridium SV006 re-entered on 23 Dec 2017, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Iridium SV006?

Iridium SV006 was operated by IRID and built by MOTO/LMMS (US).

Launched together

Iridium SV008Re-entered 2017Iridium SV007NORAD 24793Iridium SV005NORAD 24795Iridium SV004NORAD 24796
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.