HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesMeteoroid Technology Sat
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Meteoroid Technology Sat

Re-entered 2 Nov 1979

Meteoroid Technology Sat (NORAD 6142, COSPAR 1972-061A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Nov 1979, launched on 13 Aug 1972 on the Meteoroid Technology Sat mission. It was operated by LARCN as part of the Explorer MTS programme. The spacecraft was built by LARCN on the MTS bus, with a mass of 168 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.

1972
launched
1979
re-entered
7
years on orbit
168
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched13 Aug 1972 · on the Meteoroid Technology Sat mission
Operational5 Jun 1975 · entered service
Retired5 Jun 1975 · end of operational service
Re-entered2 Nov 1979 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6142
COSPAR1972-061A
TypeSatellite
OperatorLARCN
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLARCN
BusMTS
Mass168 kg
ProgrammeExplorer MTS
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude494 × 810 km
Inclination37.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Meteoroid Technology Sat?

Meteoroid Technology Sat re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Nov 1979, 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 Meteoroid Technology Sat re-enter the atmosphere?

Meteoroid Technology Sat re-entered on 2 Nov 1979, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Meteoroid Technology Sat?

Meteoroid Technology Sat was operated by LARCN and built by LARCN (US).

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