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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

EarlyBird

Re-entered 27 Jul 2000

EarlyBird (NORAD 25123, COSPAR 1997-085A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Jul 2000, launched on 24 Dec 1997 on the EarlyBird mission. It was operated by EWAT as part of the EarlyBird programme. The spacecraft was built by OSCM on the LEOStar bus, with a mass of 284 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
2000
re-entered
3
years on orbit
284
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Dec 1997 · on the EarlyBird mission
Operational28 Dec 1997 · entered service
Retired28 Dec 1997 · end of operational service
Re-entered27 Jul 2000 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID25123
COSPAR1997-085A
TypeSatellite
OperatorEWAT
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerOSCM
BusLEOStar
Mass284 kg
ProgrammeEarlyBird
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude479 × 486 km
Inclination97.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to EarlyBird?

EarlyBird re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Jul 2000, 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 EarlyBird re-enter the atmosphere?

EarlyBird re-entered on 27 Jul 2000, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built EarlyBird?

EarlyBird was operated by EWAT and built by OSCM (US).

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