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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Iridium SV048

Re-entered 5 May 2001

Iridium SV048 (NORAD 25107, COSPAR 1997-082D) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 May 2001, launched on 20 Dec 1997 on the Iridium MS-6 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
2001
re-entered
4
years on orbit
662
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Dec 1997 · on the Iridium MS-6 mission
Operational1 Apr 1999 · entered service
Retired1 Apr 1999 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 May 2001 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID25107
COSPAR1997-082D
TypeSatellite
OperatorIRID
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMOTO/LMMS
BusLM700
Mass662 kg (556 kg dry)
ProgrammeIridium
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LEO/P)
Altitude775 × 780 km
Inclination86.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Iridium SV048?

Iridium SV048 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 May 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 Iridium SV048 re-enter the atmosphere?

Iridium SV048 re-entered on 5 May 2001, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Iridium SV048?

Iridium SV048 was operated by IRID and built by MOTO/LMMS (US).

Launched together

Iridium SV045NORAD 25104Iridium SV046Re-entered 2019Iridium SV047Re-entered 2018Iridium SV049Re-entered 2018
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.