SSS A

Re-entered 3 May 1987

SSS A (NORAD 5598, COSPAR 1971-096A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 May 1987, launched on 15 Nov 1971 on the SSS A mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer SSS programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the SSS bus, with a mass of 52 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

1987

re-entered

years on orbit

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Nov 1971 · on the SSS A mission

Operational30 Sep 1974 · entered service

Retired30 Sep 1974 · end of operational service

Re-entered3 May 1987 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID5598

COSPAR1971-096A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerGSFC

BusSSS

Mass52 kg

ProgrammeExplorer SSS

CategorySCI

OrbitHEO (HEO)

Altitude234 × 26,780 km

Inclination3.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to SSS A?

SSS A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 May 1987, 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 SSS A re-enter the atmosphere?

SSS A re-entered on 3 May 1987, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built SSS A?

SSS A was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC (US).

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

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