ONYX 3

Re-entered 8 Oct 2011

ONYX 3 (NORAD 25017, COSPAR 1997-064A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Oct 2011, launched on 24 Oct 1997 on the LACROSSE 3 mission. It was operated by NROC / CIA as part of the LACROSSE programme. The spacecraft was built by LM/DENV on the LACROSSE bus, with a mass of 9,000 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

2011

re-entered

years on orbit

9,000

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Oct 1997 · on the LACROSSE 3 mission

Operational1 Oct 2011 · entered service

Retired1 Oct 2011 · end of operational service

Re-entered8 Oct 2011 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID25017

COSPAR1997-064A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNROC / CIA

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLM/DENV

BusLACROSSE

Mass9,000 kg (8,500 kg dry)

ProgrammeLACROSSE

CategoryIMG-R*

OrbitLEO (LEO/I)

Altitude671 × 675 km

Inclination57.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ONYX 3?

ONYX 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Oct 2011, 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 ONYX 3 re-enter the atmosphere?

ONYX 3 re-entered on 8 Oct 2011, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ONYX 3?

ONYX 3 was operated by NROC / CIA and built by LM/DENV (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: LACROSSE 3 → What is space debris? →