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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

IGS Optical-1

Re-entered 18 Jul 2014

IGS Optical-1 (NORAD 27698, COSPAR 2003-009A) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 2014, launched on 28 Mar 2003 on the IGS Optical-1 mission. It was operated by CSICE as part of the IGS-O-G1 programme. The spacecraft was built by MELCO on the IGS-O bus, with a mass of 1,500 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.

2003
launched
2014
re-entered
11
years on orbit
1,500
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched28 Mar 2003 · on the IGS Optical-1 mission
Operational1 Apr 2012 · entered service
Retired1 Apr 2012 · end of operational service
Re-entered18 Jul 2014 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID27698
COSPAR2003-009A
TypeSatellite
OperatorCSICE
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerMELCO
BusIGS-O
Mass1,500 kg (1,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeIGS-O-G1
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude485 × 491 km
Inclination97.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to IGS Optical-1?

IGS Optical-1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 2014, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2003. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did IGS Optical-1 re-enter the atmosphere?

IGS Optical-1 re-entered on 18 Jul 2014, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built IGS Optical-1?

IGS Optical-1 was operated by CSICE and built by MELCO (J).

Launched together

IGS Radar-1Re-entered 2012
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.