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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Mercury SC16

Re-entered 3 Oct 1962

Mercury SC16 (NORAD 433, COSPAR 1962 B DEL 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Oct 1962, launched on 3 Oct 1962. It was operated by MSC as part of the Mercury MA programme. The spacecraft was built by MCDA on the Mercury bus, with a mass of 1,170 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
1,170
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Oct 1962
Operational3 Oct 1962 · entered service
Retired3 Oct 1962 · end of operational service
Re-entered3 Oct 1962 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID433
COSPAR1962 B DEL 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMCDA
BusMercury
Mass1,170 kg
ProgrammeMercury MA
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude156 × 286 km
Inclination32.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mercury SC16?

Mercury SC16 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Oct 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 Mercury SC16 re-enter the atmosphere?

Mercury SC16 re-entered on 3 Oct 1962, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mercury SC16?

Mercury SC16 was operated by MSC and built by MCDA (US).

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