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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

NASA S-16

Re-entered 8 Oct 1981

NASA S-16 (NORAD 255, COSPAR 1962 ZET 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Oct 1981, launched on 7 Mar 1962. It was operated by GSFC as part of the OSO programme. The spacecraft was built by BALL on the OSO bus, with a mass of 208 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.

1962
launched
1981
re-entered
19
years on orbit
208
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched7 Mar 1962
Operational3 Aug 1963 · entered service
Retired3 Aug 1963 · end of operational service
Re-entered8 Oct 1981 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID255
COSPAR1962 ZET 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerBALL
BusOSO
Mass208 kg
ProgrammeOSO
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude546 × 601 km
Inclination32.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to NASA S-16?

NASA S-16 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Oct 1981, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1962. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did NASA S-16 re-enter the atmosphere?

NASA S-16 re-entered on 8 Oct 1981, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built NASA S-16?

NASA S-16 was operated by GSFC and built by BALL (US).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.