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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Iridium SV097

Re-entered 27 Dec 2019

Iridium SV097 (NORAD 27450, COSPAR 2002-031A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Dec 2019, launched on 20 Jun 2002 on the Iridium SV097 mission. It was operated by IRIDS as part of the Iridium programme. The spacecraft was built by MOTO on the LM700 bus, with a mass of 655 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.

2002
launched
2019
re-entered
17
years on orbit
655
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Jun 2002 · on the Iridium SV097 mission
Operational6 Dec 2019 · entered service
Retired18 Dec 2019 · end of operational service
Re-entered27 Dec 2019 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID27450
COSPAR2002-031A
TypeSatellite
OperatorIRIDS
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMOTO
BusLM700
Mass655 kg (556 kg dry)
ProgrammeIridium
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LEO/P)
Altitude658 × 670 km
Inclination86.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Iridium SV097?

Iridium SV097 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Dec 2019, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2002. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Iridium SV097 re-enter the atmosphere?

Iridium SV097 re-entered on 27 Dec 2019, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Iridium SV097?

Iridium SV097 was operated by IRIDS and built by MOTO (US).

Launched together

Iridium SV098Re-entered 2018
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.