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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

ROSAT

Re-entered 23 Oct 2011

ROSAT (NORAD 20638, COSPAR 1990-049A) was a D satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Oct 2011, launched on 1 Jun 1990 on the ROSAT mission. It was operated by DLR as part of the DLR Astro programme. The spacecraft was built by DASAF on the ROSAT bus, with a mass of 2,426 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.

1990
launched
2011
re-entered
21
years on orbit
2,426
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched1 Jun 1990 · on the ROSAT mission
Operational1 Jan 1999 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1999 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Oct 2011 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID20638
COSPAR1990-049A
TypeSatellite
OperatorDLR
Country / StateD
ManufacturerDASAF
BusROSAT
Mass2,426 kg
ProgrammeDLR Astro
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude562 × 584 km
Inclination53.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ROSAT?

ROSAT re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Oct 2011, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1990. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did ROSAT re-enter the atmosphere?

ROSAT re-entered on 23 Oct 2011, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ROSAT?

ROSAT was operated by DLR and built by DASAF (D).

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