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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

APEX

Re-entered 22 May 2024

APEX (NORAD 23191, COSPAR 1994-046A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 May 2024, launched on 3 Aug 1994 on the APEX mission. It was operated by STP as part of the STP1 programme. The spacecraft was built by OSCG on the Pegastar bus, with a mass of 261 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.

1994
launched
2024
re-entered
30
years on orbit
261
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Aug 1994 · on the APEX mission
Operational4 Jun 1996 · entered service
Retired1 Sep 2001 · end of operational service
Re-entered22 May 2024 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23191
COSPAR1994-046A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSTP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerOSCG
BusPegastar
Mass261 kg
ProgrammeSTP1
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude362 × 2,543 km
Inclination70.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to APEX?

APEX re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 May 2024, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1994. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did APEX re-enter the atmosphere?

APEX re-entered on 22 May 2024, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was APEX operational?

APEX was operational for roughly 5 years, from 4 Jun 1996 to 1 Sep 2001.

Who operated and built APEX?

APEX was operated by STP and built by OSCG (US).

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