SAMPEX

Re-entered 13 Nov 2012

SAMPEX (NORAD 22012, COSPAR 1992-038A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Nov 2012, launched on 3 Jul 1992 on the SAMPEX mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the SMEX programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the SMEX bus, with a mass of 158 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

2012

re-entered

years on orbit

158

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Jul 1992 · on the SAMPEX mission

Operational1 Nov 2012 · entered service

Retired1 Nov 2012 · end of operational service

Re-entered13 Nov 2012 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID22012

COSPAR1992-038A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerGSFC

BusSMEX

Mass158 kg

ProgrammeSMEX

CategorySCI

OrbitLEO (LEO/I)

Altitude514 × 690 km

Inclination81.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to SAMPEX?

SAMPEX re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Nov 2012, 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 SAMPEX re-enter the atmosphere?

SAMPEX re-entered on 13 Nov 2012, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built SAMPEX?

SAMPEX 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: SAMPEX → What is space debris? →