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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Cassini

Re-entered 15 Oct 1997

Cassini (NORAD 25008, COSPAR 1997-061A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Oct 1997, launched on 15 Oct 1997 on the Cassini mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the Cassini programme. The spacecraft was built by JPL on the Cassini bus, with a mass of 5,254 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.

1997
launched
1997
re-entered
0
years on orbit
5,254
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Oct 1997 · on the Cassini mission
Operational15 Sep 2017 · entered service
Retired15 Sep 2017 · end of operational service
Re-entered15 Oct 1997 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID25008
COSPAR1997-061A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerJPL
BusCassini
Mass5,254 kg (2,125 kg dry)
ProgrammeCassini
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude267 × -60,927 km
Inclination28.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Cassini?

Cassini re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Oct 1997, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1997. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Cassini re-enter the atmosphere?

Cassini re-entered on 15 Oct 1997, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Cassini?

Cassini was operated by JPL and built by JPL (US).

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