Pioneer 10
Re-entered 3 Mar 1972Pioneer 10 (NORAD 5860, COSPAR 1972-012A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Mar 1972, launched on 3 Mar 1972 on the Pioneer F mission. It is catalogued as Pioneer F. It was operated by ARC as part of the Pioneer J programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the Pioneer F bus, with a mass of 270 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Pioneer 10?
Pioneer 10 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Mar 1972, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1972. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did Pioneer 10 re-enter the atmosphere?
Pioneer 10 re-entered on 3 Mar 1972, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Pioneer 10?
Pioneer 10 was operated by ARC and built by TRW (US).