Mercury SC18

Re-entered 24 May 1962

Mercury SC18 (NORAD 295, COSPAR 1962 TAU 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 May 1962, launched on 24 May 1962. It was operated by MSC as part of the Mercury MA programme. The spacecraft was built by MCDA on the Mercury bus, with a mass of 1,149 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

1962

re-entered

years on orbit

1,149

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 May 1962

Operational24 May 1962 · entered service

Retired24 May 1962 · end of operational service

Re-entered24 May 1962 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID295

COSPAR1962 TAU 1

TypeSatellite

OperatorMSC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerMCDA

BusMercury

Mass1,149 kg

ProgrammeMercury MA

CategorySS

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude154 × 260 km

Inclination32.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mercury SC18?

Mercury SC18 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 May 1962, 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 Mercury SC18 re-enter the atmosphere?

Mercury SC18 re-entered on 24 May 1962, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mercury SC18?

Mercury SC18 was operated by MSC and built by MCDA (US).

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

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