HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesIridium SV027
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Iridium SV027

Re-entered 1 Feb 2002

Iridium SV027 (NORAD 24947, COSPAR 1997-051D) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Feb 2002, launched on 14 Sep 1997 on the Iridium SV029 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
2002
re-entered
5
years on orbit
662
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Sep 1997 · on the Iridium SV029 mission
Operational1 Sep 1997 · entered service
Retired1 Sep 1997 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Feb 2002 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24947
COSPAR1997-051D
TypeSatellite
OperatorIRID
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMOTO/LMMS
BusLM700
Mass662 kg (556 kg dry)
ProgrammeIridium
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)
Altitude554 × 559 km
Inclination86.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Iridium SV027?

Iridium SV027 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Feb 2002, 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 SV027 re-enter the atmosphere?

Iridium SV027 re-entered on 1 Feb 2002, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Iridium SV027?

Iridium SV027 was operated by IRID and built by MOTO/LMMS (US).

Launched together

Iridium SV029NORAD 24944Iridium SV032Re-entered 2019Iridium SV033Re-entered 2009Iridium SV028NORAD 24948Iridium SV030Re-entered 2017Iridium SV031Re-entered 2018
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.