AEM-B

Re-entered 11 Apr 1989

AEM-B (NORAD 11270, COSPAR 1979-013A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Apr 1989, launched on 18 Feb 1979 on the AEM-B mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer AEM programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the AEM bus, with a mass of 147 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.

1979

launched

1989

re-entered

years on orbit

147

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Feb 1979 · on the AEM-B mission

Operational18 Nov 1981 · entered service

Retired18 Nov 1981 · end of operational service

Re-entered11 Apr 1989 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID11270

COSPAR1979-013A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerGSFC

BusAEM

Mass147 kg

ProgrammeExplorer AEM

CategoryEOSCI

OrbitLEO (LEO/I)

Altitude547 × 659 km

Inclination54.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AEM-B?

AEM-B re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Apr 1989, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1979. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did AEM-B re-enter the atmosphere?

AEM-B re-entered on 11 Apr 1989, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AEM-B?

AEM-B was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC (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-B → What is space debris? →