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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

OSCAR 2

Re-entered 21 Jun 1962

OSCAR 2 (NORAD 305, COSPAR 1962 CHI 2) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Jun 1962, launched on 2 Jun 1962. It was operated by OSCAR as part of the OSCAR programme. The spacecraft was built by OSCAR on the OSCAR bus, with a mass of 5 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
0
years on orbit
5
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched2 Jun 1962
Operational20 Jun 1962 · entered service
Retired20 Jun 1962 · end of operational service
Re-entered21 Jun 1962 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID305
COSPAR1962 CHI 2
TypeSatellite
OperatorOSCAR
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerOSCAR
BusOSCAR
Mass5 kg
ProgrammeOSCAR
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude188 × 340 km
Inclination74.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OSCAR 2?

OSCAR 2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Jun 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 OSCAR 2 re-enter the atmosphere?

OSCAR 2 re-entered on 21 Jun 1962, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OSCAR 2?

OSCAR 2 was operated by OSCAR and built by OSCAR (US).

Launched together

CORONA M-5Re-entered 1962
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.