SAS C

Re-entered 9 Apr 1979

SAS C (NORAD 7788, COSPAR 1975-037A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Apr 1979, launched on 7 May 1975 on the SAS C mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the SAS programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the SAS bus, with a mass of 189 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.

1975

launched

1979

re-entered

years on orbit

189

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched7 May 1975 · on the SAS C mission

Operational9 Apr 1979 · entered service

Retired9 Apr 1979 · end of operational service

Re-entered9 Apr 1979 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID7788

COSPAR1975-037A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerAPL

BusSAS

Mass189 kg

ProgrammeSAS

CategoryAST

OrbitLEO (LLEO/E)

Altitude502 × 509 km

Inclination3.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to SAS C?

SAS C re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Apr 1979, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1975. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did SAS C re-enter the atmosphere?

SAS C re-entered on 9 Apr 1979, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built SAS C?

SAS C was operated by GSFC and built by APL (US).

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

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: SAS C → What is space debris? →