HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesPAC
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

PAC

Re-entered 28 Apr 1977

PAC (NORAD 4066, COSPAR 1969-068B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Apr 1977, launched on 9 Aug 1969 on the OSO G mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Delta Attached programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the Delta Attached bus, with a mass of 118 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
1977
re-entered
8
years on orbit
118
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched9 Aug 1969 · on the OSO G mission
Operational1 Jan 1970 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1970 · end of operational service
Re-entered28 Apr 1977 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4066
COSPAR1969-068B
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGSFC
BusDelta Attached
Mass118 kg
ProgrammeDelta Attached
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude486 × 553 km
Inclination33.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to PAC?

PAC re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Apr 1977, 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 PAC re-enter the atmosphere?

PAC re-entered on 28 Apr 1977, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built PAC?

PAC was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC (US).

Launched together

OSO GRe-entered 1981
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.