HESSI

Re-entered 20 Apr 2023

HESSI (NORAD 27370, COSPAR 2002-004A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Apr 2023, launched on 5 Feb 2002 on the HESSI mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the SMEX programme. The spacecraft was built by SPA on the SA-200S bus, with a mass of 304 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.

2002

launched

2023

re-entered

years on orbit

304

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 Feb 2002 · on the HESSI mission

Operational16 Aug 2018 · entered service

Retired16 Aug 2018 · end of operational service

Re-entered20 Apr 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID27370

COSPAR2002-004A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGSFC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerSPA

BusSA-200S

Mass304 kg

ProgrammeSMEX

CategoryAST

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude588 × 609 km

Inclination38.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HESSI?

HESSI re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Apr 2023, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2002. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did HESSI re-enter the atmosphere?

HESSI re-entered on 20 Apr 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HESSI?

HESSI was operated by GSFC and built by SPA (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: HESSI → What is space debris? →