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IMP A

Re-entered 27 Nov 1963

IMP A (NORAD 693, COSPAR 1963-046A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Nov 1963, launched on 27 Nov 1963 on the IMP A 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 63 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
1963
re-entered
0
years on orbit
63
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched27 Nov 1963 · on the IMP A mission
Operational25 Mar 1965 · entered service
Retired25 Mar 1965 · end of operational service
Re-entered27 Nov 1963 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID693
COSPAR1963-046A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGSFC
BusIMP
Mass63 kg
ProgrammeIMP
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (DSO)
Altitude2,072 × 194,080 km
Inclination35.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to IMP A?

IMP A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Nov 1963, 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 IMP A re-enter the atmosphere?

IMP A re-entered on 27 Nov 1963, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built IMP A?

IMP A 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.