USA 296
Re-entered 1 Jan 2019USA 296 (NORAD 45170, COSPAR 2017-052D) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 2019, launched on 7 Sep 2017 on the X-37B No. 2? mission. It is catalogued as Secret DoD Satellite 2. It was operated by AFSMC? as part of the NRO X programme. The spacecraft was built by UNKUS on the Cubesat bus, with a mass of 5 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to USA 296?
USA 296 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 2019, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2017. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did USA 296 re-enter the atmosphere?
USA 296 re-entered on 1 Jan 2019, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built USA 296?
USA 296 was operated by AFSMC? and built by UNKUS (US).