Stardust
Re-entered 8 Feb 1999Stardust (NORAD 25618, COSPAR 1999-003A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Feb 1999, launched on 7 Feb 1999 on the Stardust mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the Discovery programme. The spacecraft was built by LMA/DENV on the Space Probe bus, with a mass of 339 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Stardust?
Stardust re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Feb 1999, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1999. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did Stardust re-enter the atmosphere?
Stardust re-entered on 8 Feb 1999, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Stardust?
Stardust was operated by JPL and built by LMA/DENV (US).