IMP F

Re-entered 25 May 1967

IMP F (NORAD 2817, COSPAR 1967-051A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 May 1967, launched on 24 May 1967 on the IMP F mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the IMP programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the IMP bus, with a mass of 74 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.

1967

launched

1967

re-entered

years on orbit

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 May 1967 · on the IMP F mission

Operational28 Apr 1969 · entered service

Retired28 Apr 1969 · end of operational service

Re-entered25 May 1967 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2817

COSPAR1967-051A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerGSFC

BusIMP

Mass74 kg

ProgrammeIMP

CategorySCI

OrbitLEO (DSO)

Altitude242 × 214,382 km

Inclination67.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to IMP F?

IMP F re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 May 1967, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1967. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did IMP F re-enter the atmosphere?

IMP F re-entered on 25 May 1967, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built IMP F?

IMP F was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC (US).

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

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