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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

SAS B

Re-entered 20 Aug 1976

SAS B (NORAD 6282, COSPAR 1972-091A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Aug 1976, launched on 15 Nov 1972 on the SAS B mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the SAS programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the SAS bus, with a mass of 174 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
1976
re-entered
4
years on orbit
174
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Nov 1972 · on the SAS B mission
Operational8 Jun 1973 · entered service
Retired8 Jun 1973 · end of operational service
Re-entered20 Aug 1976 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6282
COSPAR1972-091A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAPL
BusSAS
Mass174 kg
ProgrammeSAS
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LLEO/E)
Altitude444 × 632 km
Inclination1.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to SAS B?

SAS B re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Aug 1976, 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 SAS B re-enter the atmosphere?

SAS B re-entered on 20 Aug 1976, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built SAS B?

SAS B was operated by GSFC and built by APL (US).

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