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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

BIRD

Re-entered 13 Oct 2023

BIRD (NORAD 26959, COSPAR 2001-049C) was a D satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Oct 2023, launched on 22 Oct 2001 on the TES mission. It was operated by DLR2 as part of the DLR Micro programme. The spacecraft was built by DLR2? on the BIRD bus, with a mass of 92 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
2023
re-entered
22
years on orbit
92
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched22 Oct 2001 · on the TES mission
Operational1 Feb 2004 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 2012 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Oct 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID26959
COSPAR2001-049C
TypeSatellite
OperatorDLR2
Country / StateD
ManufacturerDLR2?
BusBIRD
Mass92 kg
ProgrammeDLR Micro
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude550 × 580 km
Inclination97.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to BIRD?

BIRD re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Oct 2023, 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 BIRD re-enter the atmosphere?

BIRD re-entered on 13 Oct 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was BIRD operational?

BIRD was operational for roughly 8 years, from 1 Feb 2004 to 1 Jan 2012.

Who operated and built BIRD?

BIRD was operated by DLR2 and built by DLR2? (D).

Launched together

TESRe-entered 2025PROBANORAD 26958
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.