OV-103

Re-entered 19 Aug 1997

OV-103 (NORAD 24889, COSPAR 1997-039A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Aug 1997, launched on 7 Aug 1997 on the OV-103 Research/FF mission. It was operated by JSC as part of the OV-103 programme. The spacecraft was built by BNAP on the STS OV bus, with a mass of 95,995 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

95,995

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched7 Aug 1997 · on the OV-103 Research/FF mission

Operational19 Aug 1997 · entered service

Retired19 Aug 1997 · end of operational service

Re-entered19 Aug 1997 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24889

COSPAR1997-039A

TypeSatellite

OperatorJSC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerBNAP

BusSTS OV

Mass95,995 kg (88,403 kg dry)

ProgrammeOV-103

CategorySS

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude289 × 300 km

Inclination57.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OV-103?

OV-103 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Aug 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-103 re-enter the atmosphere?

OV-103 re-entered on 19 Aug 1997, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OV-103?

OV-103 was operated by JSC and built by BNAP (US).

Launched together

ASTRO-SPASRe-entered 1997

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-103 Research/FF → What is space debris? →