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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

ERS-2

Re-entered 21 Feb 2024

ERS-2 (NORAD 23560, COSPAR 1995-021A) was a I-ESA satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Feb 2024, launched on 21 Apr 1995 on the ERS-2 mission. It was operated by ESA as part of the ESA ERS programme. The spacecraft was built by MMST on the SPOT bus, with a mass of 2,700 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.

1995
launched
2024
re-entered
29
years on orbit
2,700
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Apr 1995 · on the ERS-2 mission
Operational6 Jul 2011 · entered service
Retired5 Sep 2011 · end of operational service
Re-entered21 Feb 2024 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23560
COSPAR1995-021A
TypeSatellite
OperatorESA
Country / StateI-ESA
ManufacturerMMST
BusSPOT
Mass2,700 kg (2,400 kg dry)
ProgrammeESA ERS
CategoryIMG-R/SCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude783 × 785 km
Inclination98.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ERS-2?

ERS-2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Feb 2024, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1995. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did ERS-2 re-enter the atmosphere?

ERS-2 re-entered on 21 Feb 2024, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was ERS-2 operational?

ERS-2 was operational for roughly 2 months, from 6 Jul 2011 to 5 Sep 2011.

Who operated and built ERS-2?

ERS-2 was operated by ESA and built by MMST (I-ESA).

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