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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Deep Space 1

Re-entered 25 Oct 1998

Deep Space 1 (NORAD 25508, COSPAR 1998-061A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Oct 1998, launched on 24 Oct 1998 on the Deep Space 1 mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the NewMil programme. The spacecraft was built by SPA on the SA-200HP bus, with a mass of 475 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.

1998
launched
1998
re-entered
0
years on orbit
475
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Oct 1998 · on the Deep Space 1 mission
Operational18 Dec 2001 · entered service
Retired18 Dec 2001 · end of operational service
Re-entered25 Oct 1998 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID25508
COSPAR1998-061A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPA
BusSA-200HP
Mass475 kg (374 kg dry)
ProgrammeNewMil
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude185 × -267,640 km
Inclination28.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Deep Space 1?

Deep Space 1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Oct 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 Deep Space 1 re-enter the atmosphere?

Deep Space 1 re-entered on 25 Oct 1998, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Deep Space 1?

Deep Space 1 was operated by JPL and built by SPA (US).

Launched together

SEDSATNORAD 25509
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.