ABRIXAS

Re-entered 31 Oct 2017

ABRIXAS (NORAD 25721, COSPAR 1999-022A) was a D satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Oct 2017, launched on 28 Apr 1999 on the ABRIXAS mission. It was operated by DLR2 as part of the DLR Astro programme. The spacecraft was built by OHB on the ABRIXAS bus, with a mass of 470 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.

1999

launched

2017

re-entered

years on orbit

470

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched28 Apr 1999 · on the ABRIXAS mission

Operational1 May 1999 · entered service

Retired1 May 1999 · end of operational service

Re-entered31 Oct 2017 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID25721

COSPAR1999-022A

TypeSatellite

OperatorDLR2

Country / StateD

ManufacturerOHB

BusABRIXAS

Mass470 kg

ProgrammeDLR Astro

CategoryAST

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude554 × 602 km

Inclination48.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ABRIXAS?

ABRIXAS re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Oct 2017, 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 ABRIXAS re-enter the atmosphere?

ABRIXAS re-entered on 31 Oct 2017, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ABRIXAS?

ABRIXAS was operated by DLR2 and built by OHB (D).

Launched together

Megsat-0Re-entered 2003

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: ABRIXAS → What is space debris? →