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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

STRAWMAN 2

Re-entered 4 Jan 1973

STRAWMAN 2 (NORAD 4054, COSPAR 1969-065A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Jan 1973, launched on 31 Jul 1969 on the STRAWMAN 2 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the STRAWMAN programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC/CHAIL on the STRAWMAN bus, with a mass of 975 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.

1969
launched
1973
re-entered
4
years on orbit
975
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched31 Jul 1969 · on the STRAWMAN 2 mission
Operational23 Aug 1970 · entered service
Retired26 Jul 1971 · end of operational service
Re-entered4 Jan 1973 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4054
COSPAR1969-065A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC/CHAIL
BusSTRAWMAN
Mass975 kg
ProgrammeSTRAWMAN
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude459 × 538 km
Inclination75.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to STRAWMAN 2?

STRAWMAN 2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Jan 1973, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1969. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did STRAWMAN 2 re-enter the atmosphere?

STRAWMAN 2 re-entered on 4 Jan 1973, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was STRAWMAN 2 operational?

STRAWMAN 2 was operational for roughly 11 months, from 23 Aug 1970 to 26 Jul 1971.

Who operated and built STRAWMAN 2?

STRAWMAN 2 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.