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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

QUASAR 2

Re-entered 18 Apr 2020

QUASAR 2 (NORAD 9270, COSPAR 1976-080A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Apr 2020, launched on 6 Aug 1976 on the SDS 2 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the SDS programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the SDS bus, with a mass of 800 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
2020
re-entered
44
years on orbit
800
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched6 Aug 1976 · on the SDS 2 mission
Operational1 Jan 1981 · entered service
Retired18 Apr 2020 · end of operational service
Re-entered18 Apr 2020 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID9270
COSPAR1976-080A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusSDS
Mass800 kg (650 kg dry)
ProgrammeSDS
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude350 × 39,224 km
Inclination62.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to QUASAR 2?

QUASAR 2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Apr 2020, 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 QUASAR 2 re-enter the atmosphere?

QUASAR 2 re-entered on 18 Apr 2020, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was QUASAR 2 operational?

QUASAR 2 was operational for roughly 39 years, from 1 Jan 1981 to 18 Apr 2020.

Who operated and built QUASAR 2?

QUASAR 2 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by HSES (US).

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