ASTRO-SPAS

Re-entered 7 Aug 1997

ASTRO-SPAS (NORAD 24890, COSPAR 1997-039B) was a D satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Aug 1997, launched on 7 Aug 1997 on the OV-103 Research/FF mission. It was operated by DLR2 as part of the ASTRO-SPAS programme. The spacecraft was built by DLRRD/DASAO on the ASTRO-SPAS bus, with a mass of 3,503 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

3,503

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-entered7 Aug 1997 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24890

COSPAR1997-039B

TypeSatellite

OperatorDLR2

Country / StateD

ManufacturerDLRRD/DASAO

BusASTRO-SPAS

Mass3,503 kg

ProgrammeASTRO-SPAS

CategoryEOSCI

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude290 × 299 km

Inclination57.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ASTRO-SPAS?

ASTRO-SPAS re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 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 ASTRO-SPAS re-enter the atmosphere?

ASTRO-SPAS re-entered on 7 Aug 1997, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ASTRO-SPAS?

ASTRO-SPAS was operated by DLR2 and built by DLRRD/DASAO (D).

Launched together

OV-103Re-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? →