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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

AFCRL A

Re-entered 14 Dec 1983

AFCRL A (NORAD 612, COSPAR 1963-026A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Dec 1983, launched on 28 Jun 1963 on the AFCRL A mission. It was operated by AFCRL as part of the AFCRL programme. The spacecraft was built by AFCRL on the GRS bus, with a mass of 66 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
1983
re-entered
20
years on orbit
66
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched28 Jun 1963 · on the AFCRL A mission
Operational29 Jun 1963 · entered service
Retired29 Jun 1963 · end of operational service
Re-entered14 Dec 1983 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID612
COSPAR1963-026A
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFCRL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAFCRL
BusGRS
Mass66 kg
ProgrammeAFCRL
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude421 × 1,298 km
Inclination49.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AFCRL A?

AFCRL A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Dec 1983, 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 AFCRL A re-enter the atmosphere?

AFCRL A re-entered on 14 Dec 1983, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AFCRL A?

AFCRL A was operated by AFCRL and built by AFCRL (US).

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