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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

CORONA R&D

Re-entered 5 Oct 1967

CORONA R&D (NORAD 444, COSPAR 1962 B KAP) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Oct 1967, launched on 26 Oct 1962. It was operated by NRO / CIA as part of the CORONA E programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the CORONA STARAD bus, with a mass of 315 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
1967
re-entered
5
years on orbit
315
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched26 Oct 1962
Operational13 Dec 1962 · entered service
Retired13 Dec 1962 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 Oct 1967 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID444
COSPAR1962 B KAP
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / CIA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusCORONA STARAD
Mass315 kg
ProgrammeCORONA E
CategorySCI
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude199 × 5,494 km
Inclination71.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to CORONA R&D?

CORONA R&D re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Oct 1967, 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 CORONA R&D re-enter the atmosphere?

CORONA R&D re-entered on 5 Oct 1967, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built CORONA R&D?

CORONA R&D was operated by NRO / CIA and built by LMSC (US).

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