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AFTRACK 21 (S.T. LOW)

Re-entered 3 Nov 1962

AFTRACK 21 (S.T. LOW) (NORAD 259, COSPAR 1962 ETA 3) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Nov 1962, launched on 7 Mar 1962. It was operated by SAFSP as part of the AFTRACK programme. The spacecraft was built by CHAIL on the AFTRACK bus, with a mass of 5 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
1962
re-entered
0
years on orbit
5
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched7 Mar 1962
Operational9 Mar 1962 · entered service
Retired9 Mar 1962 · end of operational service
Re-entered3 Nov 1962 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID259
COSPAR1962 ETA 3
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerCHAIL
BusAFTRACK
Mass5 kg
ProgrammeAFTRACK
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)
Altitude235 × 380 km
Inclination90.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AFTRACK 21 (S.T. LOW)?

AFTRACK 21 (S.T. LOW) re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Nov 1962, 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 AFTRACK 21 (S.T. LOW) re-enter the atmosphere?

AFTRACK 21 (S.T. LOW) re-entered on 3 Nov 1962, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AFTRACK 21 (S.T. LOW)?

AFTRACK 21 (S.T. LOW) was operated by SAFSP and built by CHAIL (US).

Launched together

SAMOS E-5 No. 3Re-entered 1963
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.