OV-102

Re-entered 5 Dec 1997

OV-102 (NORAD 25061, COSPAR 1997-073A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Dec 1997, launched on 19 Nov 1997 on the OV-102 Research/FF mission. It was operated by JSC as part of the OV-102 programme. The spacecraft was built by BNAP on the STS OV bus, with a mass of 103,711 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

103,711

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched19 Nov 1997 · on the OV-102 Research/FF mission

Operational5 Dec 1997 · entered service

Retired5 Dec 1997 · end of operational service

Re-entered5 Dec 1997 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID25061

COSPAR1997-073A

TypeSatellite

OperatorJSC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerBNAP

BusSTS OV

Mass103,711 kg (97,198 kg dry)

ProgrammeOV-102

CategorySS

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude276 × 282 km

Inclination28.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OV-102?

OV-102 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Dec 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 OV-102 re-enter the atmosphere?

OV-102 re-entered on 5 Dec 1997, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OV-102?

OV-102 was operated by JSC and built by BNAP (US).

Launched together

SPTN-201Re-entered 1997

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: OV-102 Research/FF → What is space debris? →