HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesERS-1
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

ERS-1

Re-entered 3 Dec 2001

ERS-1 (NORAD 21867, COSPAR 1992-007A) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Dec 2001, launched on 11 Feb 1992 on the ERS-1 mission. It was operated by NASDA as part of the NASDA RS programme. The spacecraft was built by MELCO on the JERS bus, with a mass of 1,400 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.

1992
launched
2001
re-entered
9
years on orbit
1,400
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Feb 1992 · on the ERS-1 mission
Operational11 Oct 1998 · entered service
Retired11 Oct 1998 · end of operational service
Re-entered3 Dec 2001 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID21867
COSPAR1992-007A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNASDA
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerMELCO
BusJERS
Mass1,400 kg
ProgrammeNASDA RS
CategoryIMG-R
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude569 × 572 km
Inclination97.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ERS-1?

ERS-1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Dec 2001, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1992. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did ERS-1 re-enter the atmosphere?

ERS-1 re-entered on 3 Dec 2001, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ERS-1?

ERS-1 was operated by NASDA and built by MELCO (J).

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