CORONA Diagnostic 2

Re-entered 14 Nov 1960

CORONA Diagnostic 2 (NORAD 48, COSPAR 1960 THE) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Nov 1960, launched on 10 Aug 1960. It was operated by AFBMD / CIA as part of the CORONA Early programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSD on the CORONA bus, with a mass of 120 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

120

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched10 Aug 1960

Operational11 Aug 1960 · entered service

Retired11 Aug 1960 · end of operational service

Re-entered14 Nov 1960 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID48

COSPAR1960 THE

TypeSatellite

OperatorAFBMD / CIA

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSD

BusCORONA

Mass120 kg

ProgrammeCORONA Early

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude245 × 614 km

Inclination82.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to CORONA Diagnostic 2?

CORONA Diagnostic 2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Nov 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 CORONA Diagnostic 2 re-enter the atmosphere?

CORONA Diagnostic 2 re-entered on 14 Nov 1960, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built CORONA Diagnostic 2?

CORONA Diagnostic 2 was operated by AFBMD / CIA and built by LMSD (US).

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

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