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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Iridium SV023

Re-entered 28 Mar 2018

Iridium SV023 (NORAD 24906, COSPAR 1997-043D) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Mar 2018, launched on 21 Aug 1997 on the Iridium MS-3 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

Launched21 Aug 1997 · on the Iridium MS-3 mission
Operational10 Feb 2018 · entered service
Retired19 Feb 2018 · end of operational service
Re-entered28 Mar 2018 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24906
COSPAR1997-043D
TypeSatellite
OperatorIRID
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMOTO/LMMS
BusLM700
Mass662 kg (556 kg dry)
ProgrammeIridium
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LEO/P)
Altitude775 × 779 km
Inclination86.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Iridium SV023?

Iridium SV023 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Mar 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 SV023 re-enter the atmosphere?

Iridium SV023 re-entered on 28 Mar 2018, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Iridium SV023?

Iridium SV023 was operated by IRID and built by MOTO/LMMS (US).

Launched together

Iridium SV026NORAD 24903Iridium SV025Re-entered 2018Iridium SV024NORAD 25105Iridium SV022NORAD 24907
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.