Lunar Prospector
Re-entered 7 Jan 1998Lunar Prospector (NORAD 25131, COSPAR 1998-001A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Jan 1998, launched on 7 Jan 1998 on the LP mission. It is catalogued as LP. It was operated by ARC as part of the Discovery programme. The spacecraft was built by LMMS on the LM100 bus, with a mass of 296 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Lunar Prospector?
Lunar Prospector re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Jan 1998, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1998. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did Lunar Prospector re-enter the atmosphere?
Lunar Prospector re-entered on 7 Jan 1998, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Lunar Prospector?
Lunar Prospector was operated by ARC and built by LMMS (US).