Microwave Anisotropy Probe

Re-entered 1 Jul 2001

Microwave Anisotropy Probe (NORAD 26859, COSPAR 2001-027A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jul 2001, launched on 30 Jun 2001 on the Microwave Anisotropy Pro mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the MIDEX programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the MIDEX bus, with a mass of 840 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.

2001

launched

2001

re-entered

years on orbit

840

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched30 Jun 2001 · on the Microwave Anisotropy Pro mission

Operational28 Oct 2010 · entered service

Retired28 Oct 2010 · end of operational service

Re-entered1 Jul 2001 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID26859

COSPAR2001-027A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerGSFC

BusMIDEX

Mass840 kg (768 kg dry)

ProgrammeMIDEX

CategoryAST

OrbitBEO (CLO)

Altitude3,144 × 347,874 km

Inclination28.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Microwave Anisotropy Probe?

Microwave Anisotropy Probe re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jul 2001, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2001. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Microwave Anisotropy Probe re-enter the atmosphere?

Microwave Anisotropy Probe re-entered on 1 Jul 2001, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Microwave Anisotropy Probe?

Microwave Anisotropy Probe was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC (US).

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: Microwave Anisotropy Pro → What is space debris? →