SPTN-201

Re-entered 1 Nov 1998

SPTN-201 (NORAD 25521, COSPAR 1998-064C) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Nov 1998, launched on 29 Oct 1998 on the OV-103 Research/FF mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Spartan programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the SPTN-200 bus, with a mass of 1,350 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

years on orbit

1,350

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched29 Oct 1998 · on the OV-103 Research/FF mission

Operational4 Nov 1998 · entered service

Retired4 Nov 1998 · end of operational service

Re-entered1 Nov 1998 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID25521

COSPAR1998-064C

TypeSatellite

OperatorGSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerGSFC

BusSPTN-200

Mass1,350 kg

ProgrammeSpartan

CategoryAST

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude549 × 560 km

Inclination28.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to SPTN-201?

SPTN-201 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Nov 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 SPTN-201 re-enter the atmosphere?

SPTN-201 re-entered on 1 Nov 1998, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built SPTN-201?

SPTN-201 was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC (US).

Launched together

OV-103Re-entered 1998 PANSATNORAD 25520

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-103 Research/FF → What is space debris? →