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MTI

Re-entered 14 May 2022

MTI (NORAD 26102, COSPAR 2000-014A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 May 2022, launched on 12 Mar 2000 on the MTI mission. It was operated by SANL as part of the STP1 programme. The spacecraft was built by DOE/SANL/BALL on the BCP-300 bus, with a mass of 597 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.

2000
launched
2022
re-entered
22
years on orbit
597
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched12 Mar 2000 · on the MTI mission
Operational1 May 2022 · entered service
Retired1 May 2022 · end of operational service
Re-entered14 May 2022 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID26102
COSPAR2000-014A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSANL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerDOE/SANL/BALL
BusBCP-300
Mass597 kg (590 kg dry)
ProgrammeSTP1
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude573 × 613 km
Inclination97.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to MTI?

MTI re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 May 2022, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2000. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did MTI re-enter the atmosphere?

MTI re-entered on 14 May 2022, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built MTI?

MTI was operated by SANL and built by DOE/SANL/BALL (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: MTI → What is space debris? →