GRAB SV2

Re-entered 5 Oct 1960

GRAB SV2 (NORAD 46, COSPAR 1960 ETA 2) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Oct 1960, launched on 22 Jun 1960. It was operated by NRL as part of the GRAB programme. The spacecraft was built by NRL on the NRL 20" bus, with a mass of 19 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.

1960

launched

1960

re-entered

years on orbit

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched22 Jun 1960

Operational18 Apr 1961 · entered service

Retired18 Apr 1961 · end of operational service

Re-entered5 Oct 1960 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID46

COSPAR1960 ETA 2

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRL

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerNRL

BusNRL 20"

Mass19 kg

ProgrammeGRAB

CategorySIG

OrbitLEO (LEO/I)

Altitude614 × 1,058 km

Inclination66.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GRAB SV2?

GRAB SV2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Oct 1960, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1960. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did GRAB SV2 re-enter the atmosphere?

GRAB SV2 re-entered on 5 Oct 1960, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GRAB SV2?

GRAB SV2 was operated by NRL and built by NRL (US).

Launched together

Transit 2ANORAD 45

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

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