STEP M4

Re-entered 31 Mar 2001

STEP M4 (NORAD 25013, COSPAR 1997-063A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Mar 2001, launched on 22 Oct 1997 on the STEP M4 mission. It was operated by STP as part of the STP1 programme. The spacecraft was built by TRWC/OSCM 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

2001

re-entered

years on orbit

403

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched22 Oct 1997 · on the STEP M4 mission

Operational22 Oct 1997 · entered service

Retired31 Oct 1997 · end of operational service

Re-entered31 Mar 2001 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID25013

COSPAR1997-063A

TypeSatellite

OperatorSTP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerTRWC/OSCM

BusLEOStar T-200

Mass403 kg (300 kg dry)

ProgrammeSTP1

CategorySCI

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude432 × 501 km

Inclination45.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to STEP M4?

STEP M4 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Mar 2001, 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 STEP M4 re-enter the atmosphere?

STEP M4 re-entered on 31 Mar 2001, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built STEP M4?

STEP M4 was operated by STP and built by TRWC/OSCM (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: STEP M4 → What is space debris? →