IGS Radar-1

Re-entered 26 Jul 2012

IGS Radar-1 (NORAD 27699, COSPAR 2003-009B) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Jul 2012, launched on 28 Mar 2003 on the IGS Optical-1 mission. It was operated by CSICE as part of the IGS-R-G1 programme. The spacecraft was built by MELCO on the IGS-R 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

2012

re-entered

years on orbit

1,500

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched28 Mar 2003 · on the IGS Optical-1 mission

Operational25 Mar 2007 · entered service

Retired25 Mar 2007 · end of operational service

Re-entered26 Jul 2012 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID27699

COSPAR2003-009B

TypeSatellite

OperatorCSICE

Country / StateJ

ManufacturerMELCO

BusIGS-R

Mass1,500 kg (1,000 kg dry)

ProgrammeIGS-R-G1

CategoryIMG-R

OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)

Altitude489 × 494 km

Inclination97.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to IGS Radar-1?

IGS Radar-1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Jul 2012, 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 Radar-1 re-enter the atmosphere?

IGS Radar-1 re-entered on 26 Jul 2012, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built IGS Radar-1?

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

Launched together

IGS Optical-1Re-entered 2014

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: IGS Optical-1 → What is space debris? →