Genesis

Re-entered 9 Aug 2001

Genesis (NORAD 26884, COSPAR 2001-034A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Aug 2001, launched on 8 Aug 2001 on the Genesis mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the Discovery programme. The spacecraft was built by LMA on the Genesis bus, with a mass of 636 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

636

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched8 Aug 2001 · on the Genesis mission

Operational1 Dec 2004 · entered service

Retired1 Dec 2004 · end of operational service

Re-entered9 Aug 2001 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID26884

COSPAR2001-034A

TypeSatellite

OperatorJPL

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMA

BusGenesis

Mass636 kg (494 kg dry)

ProgrammeDiscovery

CategoryPLAN

OrbitBEO (CLO)

Altitude189 × 1,225,640 km

Inclination28.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Genesis?

Genesis re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Aug 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 Genesis re-enter the atmosphere?

Genesis re-entered on 9 Aug 2001, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Genesis?

Genesis was operated by JPL and built by LMA (US).

Launched together

Sample Return CapsuleRe-entered 2001

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: Genesis → What is space debris? →