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IGS Optical-3 Test Sat

Re-entered 12 Nov 2013

IGS Optical-3 Test Sat (NORAD 30587, COSPAR 2007-005B) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Nov 2013, launched on 24 Feb 2007 on the IGS Radar-2 mission. It was operated by CSICE as part of the IGS-O-G2 programme. The spacecraft was built by MELCO on the IGS-O bus, with a mass of 1,500 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.

2007
launched
2013
re-entered
6
years on orbit
1,500
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Feb 2007 · on the IGS Radar-2 mission
Operational1 Jan 2011 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 2011 · end of operational service
Re-entered12 Nov 2013 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID30587
COSPAR2007-005B
TypeSatellite
OperatorCSICE
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerMELCO
BusIGS-O
Mass1,500 kg (1,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeIGS-O-G2
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude486 × 488 km
Inclination97.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to IGS Optical-3 Test Sat?

IGS Optical-3 Test Sat re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Nov 2013, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2007. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did IGS Optical-3 Test Sat re-enter the atmosphere?

IGS Optical-3 Test Sat re-entered on 12 Nov 2013, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built IGS Optical-3 Test Sat?

IGS Optical-3 Test Sat was operated by CSICE and built by MELCO (J).

Launched together

IGS Radar-2Re-entered 2014
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.