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SSO-A Lower Free Flyer

Re-entered 6 Dec 2024

SSO-A Lower Free Flyer (NORAD 43760, COSPAR 2018-099C) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Dec 2024, launched on 3 Dec 2018 on the SSO-A mission. It was operated by SFLIN as part of the SFLIN programme. The spacecraft was built by SFLIN on the SFL-LFF bus, with a mass of 260 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.

2018
launched
2024
re-entered
6
years on orbit
260
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Dec 2018 · on the SSO-A mission
Operational4 Dec 2018 · entered service
Retired4 Dec 2018 · end of operational service
Re-entered6 Dec 2024 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID43760
COSPAR2018-099C
TypeSatellite
OperatorSFLIN
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSFLIN
BusSFL-LFF
Mass260 kg
ProgrammeSFLIN
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude573 × 590 km
Inclination97.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to SSO-A Lower Free Flyer?

SSO-A Lower Free Flyer re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Dec 2024, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2018. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did SSO-A Lower Free Flyer re-enter the atmosphere?

SSO-A Lower Free Flyer re-entered on 6 Dec 2024, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built SSO-A Lower Free Flyer?

SSO-A Lower Free Flyer was operated by SFLIN and built by SFLIN (US).

Launched together

MinXSS 2NORAD 43758SNUSAT 2NORAD 43782KazSTSatNORAD 43783SNUGLITENORAD 43784OrbWeaver 2Re-entered 2024ITASAT-1NORAD 43786KazSciSatRe-entered 2025Dove 210dRe-entered 2025
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.