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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Dragon C102

Re-entered 25 May 2012

Dragon C102 (NORAD 38348, COSPAR 2012-027A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 May 2012, launched on 22 May 2012 on the Dragon C102 mission. It was operated by SPX as part of the Dragon programme. The spacecraft was built by SPX on the Dragon CM bus, with a mass of 4,650 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.

2012
launched
2012
re-entered
0
years on orbit
4,650
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched22 May 2012 · on the Dragon C102 mission
Operational31 May 2012 · entered service
Retired31 May 2012 · end of operational service
Re-entered25 May 2012 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID38348
COSPAR2012-027A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSPX
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPX
BusDragon CM
Mass4,650 kg
ProgrammeDragon
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude387 × 399 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Dragon C102?

Dragon C102 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 May 2012, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2012. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Dragon C102 re-enter the atmosphere?

Dragon C102 re-entered on 25 May 2012, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Dragon C102?

Dragon C102 was operated by SPX and built by SPX (US).

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