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NASA A-2

Re-entered 18 May 2014

NASA A-2 (NORAD 63, COSPAR 1960 PI 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 May 2014, launched on 23 Nov 1960. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Tiros A programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the Tiros bus, with a mass of 122 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.

1960
launched
2014
re-entered
54
years on orbit
122
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched23 Nov 1960
Operational4 Dec 1961 · entered service
Retired1 May 1962 · end of operational service
Re-entered18 May 2014 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID63
COSPAR1960 PI 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusTiros
Mass122 kg
ProgrammeTiros A
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude608 × 743 km
Inclination48.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to NASA A-2?

NASA A-2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 May 2014, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1960. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did NASA A-2 re-enter the atmosphere?

NASA A-2 re-entered on 18 May 2014, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was NASA A-2 operational?

NASA A-2 was operational for roughly 5 months, from 4 Dec 1961 to 1 May 1962.

Who operated and built NASA A-2?

NASA A-2 was operated by GSFC and built by RCA (US).

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