HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesIridium SV037
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Iridium SV037

Re-entered 26 Dec 2018

Iridium SV037 (NORAD 24966, COSPAR 1997-056B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Dec 2018, launched on 27 Sep 1997 on the Iridium MS-4 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

Launched27 Sep 1997 · on the Iridium MS-4 mission
Operational6 Dec 2018 · entered service
Retired12 Dec 2018 · end of operational service
Re-entered26 Dec 2018 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24966
COSPAR1997-056B
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 SV037?

Iridium SV037 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Dec 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 SV037 re-enter the atmosphere?

Iridium SV037 re-entered on 26 Dec 2018, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Iridium SV037?

Iridium SV037 was operated by IRID and built by MOTO/LMMS (US).

Launched together

Iridium SV019Re-entered 2018Iridium SV036NORAD 24967Iridium SV035Re-entered 2018Iridium SV034Re-entered 2018
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.