SSTI/Lewis

Re-entered 28 Sep 1997

SSTI/Lewis (NORAD 24909, COSPAR 1997-044A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Sep 1997, launched on 23 Aug 1997 on the SSTI/Lewis mission. It was operated by TRW / NASA as part of the SSTI programme. The spacecraft was built by TRWC on the LEOStar T-200 bus, with a mass of 403 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

403

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched23 Aug 1997 · on the SSTI/Lewis mission

Operational26 Aug 1997 · entered service

Retired26 Aug 1997 · end of operational service

Re-entered28 Sep 1997 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24909

COSPAR1997-044A

TypeSatellite

OperatorTRW / NASA

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerTRWC

BusLEOStar T-200

Mass403 kg (391 kg dry)

ProgrammeSSTI

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)

Altitude294 × 317 km

Inclination97.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to SSTI/Lewis?

SSTI/Lewis re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Sep 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 SSTI/Lewis re-enter the atmosphere?

SSTI/Lewis re-entered on 28 Sep 1997, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built SSTI/Lewis?

SSTI/Lewis was operated by TRW / NASA and built by TRWC (US).

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: SSTI/Lewis → What is space debris? →