OV1-12S

Re-entered 22 Jul 1980

OV1-12S (NORAD 2901, COSPAR 1967-072D) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Jul 1980, launched on 27 Jul 1967 on the OV1-8S mission. It was operated by OAR as part of the OV1 F programme. The spacecraft was built by GDC on the OV1 bus, with a mass of 141 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

1980

re-entered

years on orbit

141

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched27 Jul 1967 · on the OV1-8S mission

Operational1 Jan 1968 · entered service

Retired1 Jan 1968 · end of operational service

Re-entered22 Jul 1980 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2901

COSPAR1967-072D

TypeSatellite

OperatorOAR

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerGDC

BusOV1

Mass141 kg

ProgrammeOV1 F

CategorySCI

OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)

Altitude538 × 555 km

Inclination101.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OV1-12S?

OV1-12S re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Jul 1980, 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 OV1-12S re-enter the atmosphere?

OV1-12S re-entered on 22 Jul 1980, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OV1-12S?

OV1-12S was operated by OAR and built by GDC (US).

Launched together

OV1-8SRe-entered 1972

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: OV1-8S → What is space debris? →