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ERS 12

Re-entered 5 Feb 1966

ERS 12 (NORAD 675, COSPAR 1963-039B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Feb 1966, launched on 17 Oct 1963 on the Vela 1A mission. It was operated by AFSSD as part of the TRS II programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the TRS Mk II bus, with a mass of 2 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
1966
re-entered
3
years on orbit
2
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Oct 1963 · on the Vela 1A mission
Operational1 Jan 1964 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1964 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 Feb 1966 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID675
COSPAR1963-039B
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFSSD
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusTRS Mk II
Mass2 kg
ProgrammeTRS II
CategorySCI
Orbit (VHEO)
Altitude952 × 102,375 km
Inclination35.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ERS 12?

ERS 12 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Feb 1966, 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 ERS 12 re-enter the atmosphere?

ERS 12 re-entered on 5 Feb 1966, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ERS 12?

ERS 12 was operated by AFSSD and built by TRW (US).

Launched together

Vela 1ARe-entered 1980Vela 1BRe-entered 1980
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.