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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

CORONA C-9

Re-entered 16 Sep 1960

CORONA C-9 (NORAD 54, COSPAR 1960 KAP) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Sep 1960, launched on 18 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
0
years on orbit
120
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Aug 1960
Operational19 Aug 1960 · entered service
Retired19 Aug 1960 · end of operational service
Re-entered16 Sep 1960 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID54
COSPAR1960 KAP
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFBMD / CIA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSD
BusCORONA
Mass120 kg
ProgrammeCORONA Early
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude178 × 689 km
Inclination79.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to CORONA C-9?

CORONA C-9 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Sep 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 C-9 re-enter the atmosphere?

CORONA C-9 re-entered on 16 Sep 1960, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built CORONA C-9?

CORONA C-9 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.