HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesIMP H
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

IMP H

Re-entered 23 Sep 1972

IMP H (NORAD 6197, COSPAR 1972-073A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Sep 1972, launched on 23 Sep 1972 on the IMP H mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the IMP programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the IMP bus, with a mass of 266 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
1972
re-entered
0
years on orbit
266
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched23 Sep 1972 · on the IMP H mission
Operational31 Oct 1978 · entered service
Retired31 Oct 1978 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Sep 1972 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6197
COSPAR1972-073A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGSFC
BusIMP
Mass266 kg
ProgrammeIMP
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (DSO)
Altitude201,100 × 235,600 km
Inclination17.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to IMP H?

IMP H re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Sep 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 IMP H re-enter the atmosphere?

IMP H re-entered on 23 Sep 1972, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built IMP H?

IMP H 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.