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Project 102 Group 2-D

Re-entered 30 Oct 1963

Project 102 Group 2-D (NORAD 308, COSPAR 1962 OME 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 Oct 1963, launched on 18 Jun 1962. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the SAMOS F-2 programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC/CHAIL on the SAMOS F-2 bus, with a mass of 345 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
1963
re-entered
1
year on orbit
345
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Jun 1962
Operational20 Jun 1962 · entered service
Retired20 Jun 1962 · end of operational service
Re-entered30 Oct 1963 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID308
COSPAR1962 OME 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC/CHAIL
BusSAMOS F-2
Mass345 kg
ProgrammeSAMOS F-2
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude370 × 395 km
Inclination82.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Project 102 Group 2-D?

Project 102 Group 2-D re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 Oct 1963, 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 Project 102 Group 2-D re-enter the atmosphere?

Project 102 Group 2-D re-entered on 30 Oct 1963, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Project 102 Group 2-D?

Project 102 Group 2-D was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC/CHAIL (US).

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