Mercury SC20

Re-entered 16 May 1963

Mercury SC20 (NORAD 576, COSPAR 1963-015A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 May 1963, launched on 15 May 1963 on the Mercury SC20 mission. It was operated by MSC as part of the Mercury MA programme. The spacecraft was built by MCDA on the Mercury bus, with a mass of 1,170 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.

1963

launched

1963

re-entered

years on orbit

1,170

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 May 1963 · on the Mercury SC20 mission

Operational16 May 1963 · entered service

Retired16 May 1963 · end of operational service

Re-entered16 May 1963 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID576

COSPAR1963-015A

TypeSatellite

OperatorMSC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerMCDA

BusMercury

Mass1,170 kg

ProgrammeMercury MA

CategorySS

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude163 × 265 km

Inclination32.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mercury SC20?

Mercury SC20 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 May 1963, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1963. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Mercury SC20 re-enter the atmosphere?

Mercury SC20 re-entered on 16 May 1963, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mercury SC20?

Mercury SC20 was operated by MSC and built by MCDA (US).

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

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