TIP 2

Re-entered 26 May 1991

TIP 2 (NORAD 8361, COSPAR 1975-099A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 May 1991, launched on 12 Oct 1975 on the TIP 2 mission. It was operated by NAVAIR as part of the NNS I programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the Nova bus, with a mass of 160 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

1991

re-entered

years on orbit

160

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched12 Oct 1975 · on the TIP 2 mission

Operational1 Apr 1976 · entered service

Retired1 Apr 1976 · end of operational service

Re-entered26 May 1991 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID8361

COSPAR1975-099A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNAVAIR

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerAPL

BusNova

Mass160 kg (140 kg dry)

ProgrammeNNS I

CategoryNAV

OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)

Altitude484 × 583 km

Inclination90.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to TIP 2?

TIP 2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 May 1991, 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 TIP 2 re-enter the atmosphere?

TIP 2 re-entered on 26 May 1991, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built TIP 2?

TIP 2 was operated by NAVAIR 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: TIP 2 → What is space debris? →