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HETE

Re-entered 7 Apr 2002

HETE (NORAD 24645, COSPAR 1996-061A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Apr 2002, launched on 4 Nov 1996 on the HETE mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the UNEX programme. The spacecraft was built by AEROA on the HETE bus, with a mass of 114 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.

1996
launched
2002
re-entered
6
years on orbit
114
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Nov 1996 · on the HETE mission
Operational4 Nov 1996 · entered service
Retired4 Nov 1996 · end of operational service
Re-entered7 Apr 2002 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID24645
COSPAR1996-061A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAEROA
BusHETE
Mass114 kg
ProgrammeUNEX
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude488 × 554 km
Inclination38.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HETE?

HETE re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Apr 2002, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1996. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did HETE re-enter the atmosphere?

HETE re-entered on 7 Apr 2002, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HETE?

HETE was operated by GSFC and built by AEROA (US).

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