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ERS 13

Re-entered 1 Jul 1966

ERS 13 (NORAD 838, COSPAR 1964-040C) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jul 1966, launched on 17 Jul 1964 on the Vela 2A mission. It was operated by AFSSD as part of the TRS II programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the TRS Mk II bus, with a mass of 2 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
1966
re-entered
2
years on orbit
2
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Jul 1964 · on the Vela 2A mission
Operational29 Nov 1964 · entered service
Retired29 Nov 1964 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Jul 1966 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID838
COSPAR1964-040C
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFSSD
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusTRS Mk II
Mass2 kg
ProgrammeTRS II
CategorySCI
Orbit (VHEO)
Altitude319 × 104,032 km
Inclination38.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ERS 13?

ERS 13 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jul 1966, 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 ERS 13 re-enter the atmosphere?

ERS 13 re-entered on 1 Jul 1966, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ERS 13?

ERS 13 was operated by AFSSD and built by TRW (US).

Launched together

Vela 2ARe-entered 1972Vela 2BRe-entered 1969
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.