Vela 6B

Re-entered 1 Jan 1990

Vela 6B (NORAD 4368, COSPAR 1970-027B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 1990, launched on 8 Apr 1970 on the Vela 6A mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the Vela programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the Vela bus, with a mass of 252 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.

1970

launched

1990

re-entered

years on orbit

252

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched8 Apr 1970 · on the Vela 6A mission

Operational1 Mar 1980 · entered service

Retired27 Sep 1984 · end of operational service

Re-entered1 Jan 1990 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4368

COSPAR1970-027B

TypeSatellite

OperatorSAMSO

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerTRW

BusVela

Mass252 kg

ProgrammeVela

CategoryEW

Orbit (VHEO)

Altitude110,828 × 111,978 km

Inclination32.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Vela 6B?

Vela 6B re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 1990, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1970. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Vela 6B re-enter the atmosphere?

Vela 6B re-entered on 1 Jan 1990, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Vela 6B operational?

Vela 6B was operational for roughly 5 years, from 1 Mar 1980 to 27 Sep 1984.

Who operated and built Vela 6B?

Vela 6B was operated by SAMSO and built by TRW (US).

Launched together

Vela 6ARe-entered 1990

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

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