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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Cluster Tango

Re-entered 1 Sep 2026

Cluster Tango (NORAD 26464, COSPAR 2000-045B) was a I-ESA satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Sep 2026, launched on 9 Aug 2000 on the Cluster FM5 (C1) mission. It is catalogued as Cluster FM8 (C4). 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
2026
re-entered
26
years on orbit
1,186
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched9 Aug 2000 · on the Cluster FM5 (C1) mission
Operational30 Sep 2024 · entered service
Retired30 Sep 2024 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Sep 2026 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID26464
COSPAR2000-045B
TypeSatellite
OperatorESA
Country / StateI-ESA
ManufacturerASTDF
BusCluster
Mass1,186 kg (550 kg dry)
ProgrammeESA Cluster
CategorySCI
Orbit (VHEO)
Altitude16,809 × 120,768 km
Inclination90.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Cluster Tango?

Cluster Tango re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Sep 2026, 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 Tango re-enter the atmosphere?

Cluster Tango re-entered on 1 Sep 2026, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Cluster Tango?

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

Launched together

Cluster FM5 (C1)Re-entered 2025
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-18.