INTELSAT IVA F2

Re-entered 18 Jul 2001

INTELSAT IVA F2 (NORAD 8620, COSPAR 1976-010A) was a I-INT satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 2001, launched on 29 Jan 1976 on the INTELSAT IVA F2 mission. It was operated by INTEL as part of the Int4A programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-353 bus, with a mass of 736 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.

1976

launched

2001

re-entered

years on orbit

736

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched29 Jan 1976 · on the INTELSAT IVA F2 mission

Operational19 Dec 1985 · entered service

Retired19 Dec 1985 · end of operational service

Re-entered18 Jul 2001 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID8620

COSPAR1976-010A

TypeSatellite

OperatorINTEL

Country / StateI-INT

ManufacturerHSES

BusHS-353

Mass736 kg (610 kg dry)

ProgrammeInt4A

CategoryCOM

OrbitGEO (GEO/S)

Altitude35,779 × 35,796 km

Inclination0.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to INTELSAT IVA F2?

INTELSAT IVA F2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 2001, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1976. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did INTELSAT IVA F2 re-enter the atmosphere?

INTELSAT IVA F2 re-entered on 18 Jul 2001, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built INTELSAT IVA F2?

INTELSAT IVA F2 was operated by INTEL and built by HSES (I-INT).

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

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