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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

OSO D

Re-entered 15 Jun 1982

OSO D (NORAD 3000, COSPAR 1967-100A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Jun 1982, launched on 18 Oct 1967 on the OSO D mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the OSO programme. The spacecraft was built by BALL on the OSO bus, with a mass of 285 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
1982
re-entered
15
years on orbit
285
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Oct 1967 · on the OSO D mission
Operational1 Feb 1972 · entered service
Retired1 Feb 1972 · end of operational service
Re-entered15 Jun 1982 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3000
COSPAR1967-100A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerBALL
BusOSO
Mass285 kg
ProgrammeOSO
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude539 × 572 km
Inclination33.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OSO D?

OSO D re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Jun 1982, 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 OSO D re-enter the atmosphere?

OSO D re-entered on 15 Jun 1982, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OSO D?

OSO D was operated by GSFC and built by BALL (US).

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