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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Mariner R-2

Re-entered 27 Aug 1962

Mariner R-2 (NORAD 374, COSPAR 1962 A RHO 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Aug 1962, launched on 27 Aug 1962. It was operated by JPL as part of the Mariner programme. The spacecraft was built by JPL on the Ranger bus, with a mass of 203 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
203
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched27 Aug 1962
Operational2 Jan 1963 · entered service
Retired2 Jan 1963 · end of operational service
Re-entered27 Aug 1962 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID374
COSPAR1962 A RHO 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerJPL
BusRanger
Mass203 kg (193 kg dry)
ProgrammeMariner
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude197 × -100,773 km
Inclination32.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mariner R-2?

Mariner R-2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Aug 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 Mariner R-2 re-enter the atmosphere?

Mariner R-2 re-entered on 27 Aug 1962, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mariner R-2?

Mariner R-2 was operated by JPL and built by JPL (US).

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