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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

EXOS-B

Re-entered 22 Apr 2018

EXOS-B (NORAD 11027, COSPAR 1978-087A) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Apr 2018, launched on 16 Sep 1978 on the EXOS-B mission. It was operated by ISAS as part of the EXOS programme. The spacecraft was built by ISAS on the EXOS-B bus, with a mass of 90 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
2018
re-entered
40
years on orbit
90
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Sep 1978 · on the EXOS-B mission
Operational1 Jan 1985 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1985 · end of operational service
Re-entered22 Apr 2018 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID11027
COSPAR1978-087A
TypeSatellite
OperatorISAS
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerISAS
BusEXOS-B
Mass90 kg
ProgrammeEXOS
CategorySCI
OrbitHEO (HEO)
Altitude249 × 28,876 km
Inclination31.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to EXOS-B?

EXOS-B re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Apr 2018, 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 EXOS-B re-enter the atmosphere?

EXOS-B re-entered on 22 Apr 2018, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built EXOS-B?

EXOS-B was operated by ISAS and built by ISAS (J).

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