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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Iridium SV015

Re-entered 14 Oct 2018

Iridium SV015 (NORAD 24869, COSPAR 1997-034A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Oct 2018, launched on 9 Jul 1997 on the Iridium MS-2 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
2018
re-entered
21
years on orbit
662
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched9 Jul 1997 · on the Iridium MS-2 mission
Operational1 Apr 2017 · entered service
Retired3 Oct 2018 · end of operational service
Re-entered14 Oct 2018 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24869
COSPAR1997-034A
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 SV015?

Iridium SV015 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Oct 2018, 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 SV015 re-enter the atmosphere?

Iridium SV015 re-entered on 14 Oct 2018, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Iridium SV015 operational?

Iridium SV015 was operational for roughly 18 months, from 1 Apr 2017 to 3 Oct 2018.

Who operated and built Iridium SV015?

Iridium SV015 was operated by IRID and built by MOTO/LMMS (US).

Launched together

Iridium SV017NORAD 24870Iridium SV020NORAD 24871Iridium SV018Re-entered 2018Iridium SV021Re-entered 2025
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.