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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

UK 1

Re-entered 24 May 1976

UK 1 (NORAD 285, COSPAR 1962 OMI 1) was a UK satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 May 1976, launched on 26 Apr 1962. It was operated by BNC as part of the UK programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC/WTA on the Ariel bus, with a mass of 60 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.

1962
launched
1976
re-entered
14
years on orbit
60
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched26 Apr 1962
Operational9 Nov 1964 · entered service
Retired9 Nov 1964 · end of operational service
Re-entered24 May 1976 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID285
COSPAR1962 OMI 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorBNC
Country / StateUK
ManufacturerGSFC/WTA
BusAriel
Mass60 kg
ProgrammeUK
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude397 × 1,202 km
Inclination53.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to UK 1?

UK 1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 May 1976, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1962. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did UK 1 re-enter the atmosphere?

UK 1 re-entered on 24 May 1976, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built UK 1?

UK 1 was operated by BNC and built by GSFC/WTA (UK).

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