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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

D-2A

Re-entered 28 Jan 1980

D-2A (NORAD 5128, COSPAR 1971-030A) was a F satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Jan 1980, launched on 15 Apr 1971 on the D-2A mission. It was operated by CNES as part of the Diamant Ast programme. The spacecraft was built by AESPC on the D-2 bus, with a mass of 96 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.

1971
launched
1980
re-entered
9
years on orbit
96
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Apr 1971 · on the D-2A mission
Operational27 Jul 1973 · entered service
Retired27 Jul 1973 · end of operational service
Re-entered28 Jan 1980 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID5128
COSPAR1971-030A
TypeSatellite
OperatorCNES
Country / StateF
ManufacturerAESPC
BusD-2
Mass96 kg
ProgrammeDiamant Ast
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude457 × 696 km
Inclination46.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to D-2A?

D-2A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Jan 1980, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1971. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did D-2A re-enter the atmosphere?

D-2A re-entered on 28 Jan 1980, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built D-2A?

D-2A was operated by CNES and built by AESPC (F).

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