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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

UK 2

Re-entered 18 Nov 1967

UK 2 (NORAD 771, COSPAR 1964-015A) was a UK satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Nov 1967, launched on 27 Mar 1964 on the UK-C mission. It was operated by DSIR as part of the UK programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC/WTA on the Ariel bus, with a mass of 68 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.

1964
launched
1967
re-entered
3
years on orbit
68
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched27 Mar 1964 · on the UK-C mission
Operational1 Sep 1964 · entered service
Retired1 Sep 1964 · end of operational service
Re-entered18 Nov 1967 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID771
COSPAR1964-015A
TypeSatellite
OperatorDSIR
Country / StateUK
ManufacturerGSFC/WTA
BusAriel
Mass68 kg
ProgrammeUK
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude289 × 1,343 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to UK 2?

UK 2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Nov 1967, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1964. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did UK 2 re-enter the atmosphere?

UK 2 re-entered on 18 Nov 1967, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built UK 2?

UK 2 was operated by DSIR and built by GSFC/WTA (UK).

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