OSO B2

Re-entered 9 Aug 1989

OSO B2 (NORAD 987, COSPAR 1965-007A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Aug 1989, launched on 3 Feb 1965 on the OSO B2 mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the OSO programme. The spacecraft was built by BALL on the OSO bus, with a mass of 236 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.

1965

launched

1989

re-entered

years on orbit

236

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Feb 1965 · on the OSO B2 mission

Operational6 Jun 1966 · entered service

Retired6 Jun 1966 · end of operational service

Re-entered9 Aug 1989 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID987

COSPAR1965-007A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerBALL

BusOSO

Mass236 kg

ProgrammeOSO

CategoryAST

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude549 × 628 km

Inclination32.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OSO B2?

OSO B2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Aug 1989, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1965. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did OSO B2 re-enter the atmosphere?

OSO B2 re-entered on 9 Aug 1989, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OSO B2?

OSO B2 was operated by GSFC and built by BALL (US).

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

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: OSO B2 → What is space debris? →