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NASA S-55C

Re-entered 29 Jun 1983

NASA S-55C (NORAD 924, COSPAR 1964-074A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Jun 1983, launched on 6 Nov 1964 on the NASA S-55C mission. It was operated by LARCN as part of the Explorer MME programme. The spacecraft was built by LARCN on the S-55 bus, with a mass of 96 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
1983
re-entered
19
years on orbit
96
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched6 Nov 1964 · on the NASA S-55C mission
Operational1 Jul 1966 · entered service
Retired1 Jul 1966 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 Jun 1983 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID924
COSPAR1964-074A
TypeSatellite
OperatorLARCN
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLARCN
BusS-55
Mass96 kg
ProgrammeExplorer MME
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude464 × 978 km
Inclination52.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to NASA S-55C?

NASA S-55C re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Jun 1983, 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 NASA S-55C re-enter the atmosphere?

NASA S-55C re-entered on 29 Jun 1983, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built NASA S-55C?

NASA S-55C was operated by LARCN and built by LARCN (US).

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