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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Skynet IIA

Re-entered 25 Jan 1974

Skynet IIA (NORAD 7096, COSPAR 1974-002A) was a UK satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Jan 1974, launched on 19 Jan 1974 on the Skynet IIA mission. It was operated by MOD as part of the Skynet programme. The spacecraft was built by MARCO on the Skynet 2 bus, with a mass of 217 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.

1974
launched
1974
re-entered
0
years on orbit
217
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched19 Jan 1974 · on the Skynet IIA mission
Operational25 Jan 1974 · entered service
Retired25 Jan 1974 · end of operational service
Re-entered25 Jan 1974 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID7096
COSPAR1974-002A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMOD
Country / StateUK
ManufacturerMARCO
BusSkynet 2
Mass217 kg (200 kg dry)
ProgrammeSkynet
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude124 × 2,662 km
Inclination37.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Skynet IIA?

Skynet IIA re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Jan 1974, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1974. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Skynet IIA re-enter the atmosphere?

Skynet IIA re-entered on 25 Jan 1974, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Skynet IIA?

Skynet IIA was operated by MOD and built by MARCO (UK).

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