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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Iridium SV018

Re-entered 19 Aug 2018

Iridium SV018 (NORAD 24872, COSPAR 1997-034D) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Aug 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 May 2017 · entered service
Retired11 Jun 2018 · end of operational service
Re-entered19 Aug 2018 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24872
COSPAR1997-034D
TypeSatellite
OperatorIRID
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMOTO/LMMS
BusLM700
Mass662 kg (556 kg dry)
ProgrammeIridium
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LEO/P)
Altitude772 × 782 km
Inclination86.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Iridium SV018?

Iridium SV018 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Aug 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 SV018 re-enter the atmosphere?

Iridium SV018 re-entered on 19 Aug 2018, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Iridium SV018 operational?

Iridium SV018 was operational for roughly 13 months, from 1 May 2017 to 11 Jun 2018.

Who operated and built Iridium SV018?

Iridium SV018 was operated by IRID and built by MOTO/LMMS (US).

Launched together

Iridium SV015Re-entered 2018Iridium SV017NORAD 24870Iridium SV020NORAD 24871Iridium SV021Re-entered 2025
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.