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TRMM

Re-entered 16 Jun 2015

TRMM (NORAD 25063, COSPAR 1997-074A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Jun 2015, launched on 27 Nov 1997 on the TRMM mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Earth Probe programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the TRMM bus, with a mass of 3,950 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
2015
re-entered
18
years on orbit
3,950
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched27 Nov 1997 · on the TRMM mission
Operational8 Apr 2015 · entered service
Retired8 Apr 2015 · end of operational service
Re-entered16 Jun 2015 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID25063
COSPAR1997-074A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGSFC
BusTRMM
Mass3,950 kg (3,060 kg dry)
ProgrammeEarth Probe
CategoryEOSCI
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude345 × 347 km
Inclination35.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to TRMM?

TRMM re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Jun 2015, 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 TRMM re-enter the atmosphere?

TRMM re-entered on 16 Jun 2015, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built TRMM?

TRMM was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC (US).

Launched together

ETS-7Re-entered 2015ETS-7 TargetRe-entered 1998
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: TRMM → What is space debris? →