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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

AEM-C

Re-entered 11 Jun 1980

AEM-C (NORAD 11604, COSPAR 1979-094A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Jun 1980, launched on 30 Oct 1979 on the AEM-C mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer AEM programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the SAS bus, with a mass of 181 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
1980
re-entered
1
year on orbit
181
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched30 Oct 1979 · on the AEM-C mission
Operational11 Jun 1980 · entered service
Retired11 Jun 1980 · end of operational service
Re-entered11 Jun 1980 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID11604
COSPAR1979-094A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAPL
BusSAS
Mass181 kg
ProgrammeExplorer AEM
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude347 × 541 km
Inclination96.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AEM-C?

AEM-C re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Jun 1980, 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-C re-enter the atmosphere?

AEM-C re-entered on 11 Jun 1980, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AEM-C?

AEM-C was operated by GSFC and built by APL (US).

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