HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesIMP J
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

IMP J

Re-entered 26 Oct 1973

IMP J (NORAD 6893, COSPAR 1973-078A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Oct 1973, launched on 26 Oct 1973 on the IMP J 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 273 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.

1973
launched
1973
re-entered
0
years on orbit
273
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched26 Oct 1973 · on the IMP J mission
Operational26 Oct 2001 · entered service
Retired26 Oct 2001 · end of operational service
Re-entered26 Oct 1973 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6893
COSPAR1973-078A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGSFC
BusIMP
Mass273 kg
ProgrammeIMP
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (DSO)
Altitude215,092 × 215,092 km
Inclination19.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to IMP J?

IMP J re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Oct 1973, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1973. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did IMP J re-enter the atmosphere?

IMP J re-entered on 26 Oct 1973, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built IMP J?

IMP J 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.