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Cluster FM6 (C2)

Re-entered 8 Sep 2024

Cluster FM6 (C2) (NORAD 26411, COSPAR 2000-041B) was a I-ESA satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Sep 2024, launched on 16 Jul 2000 on the Cluster FM7 (C3) mission. It was operated by ESA as part of the ESA Cluster programme. The spacecraft was built by ASTDF on the Cluster bus, with a mass of 1,186 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.

2000
launched
2024
re-entered
24
years on orbit
1,186
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Jul 2000 · on the Cluster FM7 (C3) mission
Operational8 Sep 2024 · entered service
Retired8 Sep 2024 · end of operational service
Re-entered8 Sep 2024 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID26411
COSPAR2000-041B
TypeSatellite
OperatorESA
Country / StateI-ESA
ManufacturerASTDF
BusCluster
Mass1,186 kg (550 kg dry)
ProgrammeESA Cluster
CategorySCI
Orbit (VHEO)
Altitude17,313 × 120,961 km
Inclination90.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Cluster FM6 (C2)?

Cluster FM6 (C2) re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Sep 2024, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2000. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Cluster FM6 (C2) re-enter the atmosphere?

Cluster FM6 (C2) re-entered on 8 Sep 2024, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Cluster FM6 (C2)?

Cluster FM6 (C2) was operated by ESA and built by ASTDF (I-ESA).

Launched together

Cluster FM7 (C3)NORAD 26410
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.