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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

AE-B

Re-entered 22 Feb 1985

AE-B (NORAD 2183, COSPAR 1966-044A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Feb 1985, launched on 25 May 1966 on the AE-B mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer AE programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the S-6 bus, with a mass of 224 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.

1966
launched
1985
re-entered
19
years on orbit
224
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched25 May 1966 · on the AE-B mission
Operational26 Mar 1967 · entered service
Retired26 Mar 1967 · end of operational service
Re-entered22 Feb 1985 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2183
COSPAR1966-044A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGSFC
BusS-6
Mass224 kg
ProgrammeExplorer AE
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude283 × 2,718 km
Inclination64.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AE-B?

AE-B re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Feb 1985, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1966. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did AE-B re-enter the atmosphere?

AE-B re-entered on 22 Feb 1985, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AE-B?

AE-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.