QuickBird

Re-entered 27 Jan 2015

QuickBird (NORAD 26953, COSPAR 2001-047A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Jan 2015, launched on 18 Oct 2001 on the QuickBird mission. It was operated by EWAT as part of the QuickBird programme. The spacecraft was built by BALL on the BCP-2000 bus, with a mass of 1,028 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

2015

re-entered

years on orbit

1,028

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Oct 2001 · on the QuickBird mission

Operational1 Jan 2015 · entered service

Retired1 Jan 2015 · end of operational service

Re-entered27 Jan 2015 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID26953

COSPAR2001-047A

TypeSatellite

OperatorEWAT

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerBALL

BusBCP-2000

Mass1,028 kg (996 kg dry)

ProgrammeQuickBird

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)

Altitude461 × 465 km

Inclination97.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to QuickBird?

QuickBird re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Jan 2015, 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 QuickBird re-enter the atmosphere?

QuickBird re-entered on 27 Jan 2015, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built QuickBird?

QuickBird was operated by EWAT and built by BALL (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: QuickBird → What is space debris? →