USA 182

Re-entered 1 Apr 2022

USA 182 (NORAD 28646, COSPAR 2005-016A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Apr 2022, launched on 30 Apr 2005 on the ONYX 5 mission. It is catalogued as ONYX 5. It was operated by NRO as part of the ONYX5 programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSSD on the LACROSSE bus, with a mass of 9,000 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.

2005

launched

2022

re-entered

years on orbit

9,000

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched30 Apr 2005 · on the ONYX 5 mission

Operational1 Apr 2022 · entered service

Retired1 Apr 2022 · end of operational service

Re-entered1 Apr 2022 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID28646

COSPAR2005-016A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSSD

BusLACROSSE

Mass9,000 kg (8,500 kg dry)

ProgrammeONYX5

CategoryIMG-R*

OrbitLEO (LEO/I)

Altitude712 × 718 km

Inclination57.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to USA 182?

USA 182 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Apr 2022, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2005. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did USA 182 re-enter the atmosphere?

USA 182 re-entered on 1 Apr 2022, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built USA 182?

USA 182 was operated by NRO and built by LMSSD (US).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-10-21.

Browse the live satellite directory → The Orbital Register → Launch record: ONYX 5 → What is space debris? →