OV-104

Re-entered 17 May 1997

OV-104 (NORAD 24804, COSPAR 1997-023A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 May 1997, launched on 15 May 1997 on the OV-104 Shuttle/Mir mission. It was operated by JSC as part of the OV-104 programme. The spacecraft was built by BNAP on the STS OV bus, with a mass of 100,862 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

1997

re-entered

years on orbit

100,862

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 May 1997 · on the OV-104 Shuttle/Mir mission

Operational24 May 1997 · entered service

Retired24 May 1997 · end of operational service

Re-entered17 May 1997 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24804

COSPAR1997-023A

TypeSatellite

OperatorJSC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerBNAP

BusSTS OV

Mass100,862 kg (90,202 kg dry)

ProgrammeOV-104

CategorySS

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude382 × 396 km

Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OV-104?

OV-104 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 May 1997, 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 OV-104 re-enter the atmosphere?

OV-104 re-entered on 17 May 1997, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OV-104?

OV-104 was operated by JSC and built by BNAP (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: OV-104 Shuttle/Mir → What is space debris? →