OV-103

Re-entered 28 Dec 1999

OV-103 (NORAD 25996, COSPAR 1999-069A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Dec 1999, launched on 20 Dec 1999 on the OV-103 HST mission mission. It was operated by JSC as part of the STS programme. The spacecraft was built by BNAP on the STS OV bus, with a mass of 99,829 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.

1999

launched

1999

re-entered

years on orbit

99,829

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Dec 1999 · on the OV-103 HST mission mission

Operational28 Dec 1999 · entered service

Retired28 Dec 1999 · end of operational service

Re-entered28 Dec 1999 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID25996

COSPAR1999-069A

TypeSatellite

OperatorJSC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerBNAP

BusSTS OV

Mass99,829 kg (88,945 kg dry)

ProgrammeSTS

CategorySS

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude570 × 589 km

Inclination28.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OV-103?

OV-103 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Dec 1999, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1999. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did OV-103 re-enter the atmosphere?

OV-103 re-entered on 28 Dec 1999, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OV-103?

OV-103 was operated by JSC and built by BNAP (US).

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 HST mission → What is space debris? →