AEM-A

Re-entered 22 Dec 1981

AEM-A (NORAD 10818, COSPAR 1978-041A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Dec 1981, launched on 26 Apr 1978 on the AEM-A mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer AEM programme. The spacecraft was built by BOKT on the AEM bus, with a mass of 135 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.

1978

launched

1981

re-entered

years on orbit

135

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched26 Apr 1978 · on the AEM-A mission

Operational15 Sep 1980 · entered service

Retired15 Sep 1980 · end of operational service

Re-entered22 Dec 1981 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID10818

COSPAR1978-041A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerBOKT

BusAEM

Mass135 kg (110 kg dry)

ProgrammeExplorer AEM

CategoryEOSCI

OrbitLEO (LEO/S)

Altitude610 × 633 km

Inclination97.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AEM-A?

AEM-A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Dec 1981, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1978. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did AEM-A re-enter the atmosphere?

AEM-A re-entered on 22 Dec 1981, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AEM-A?

AEM-A was operated by GSFC and built by BOKT (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: AEM-A → What is space debris? →