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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Lead Dummy Payload

Re-entered 13 Dec 1964

Lead Dummy Payload (NORAD 949, COSPAR 1964-081A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Dec 1964, launched on 10 Dec 1964 on the Lead Dummy Payload mission. It was operated by AFSSD as part of the Transtage PL programme. The spacecraft was built by MM, with a mass of 1,366 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
1964
re-entered
0
years on orbit
1,366
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched10 Dec 1964 · on the Lead Dummy Payload mission
Operational10 Dec 1964 · entered service
Retired10 Dec 1964 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Dec 1964 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID949
COSPAR1964-081A
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFSSD
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMM
Mass1,366 kg
ProgrammeTranstage PL
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude168 × 182 km
Inclination32.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Lead Dummy Payload?

Lead Dummy Payload re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Dec 1964, 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 Lead Dummy Payload re-enter the atmosphere?

Lead Dummy Payload re-entered on 13 Dec 1964, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Lead Dummy Payload?

Lead Dummy Payload was operated by AFSSD and built by MM (US).

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