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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

GRACE 1

Re-entered 10 Mar 2018

GRACE 1 (NORAD 27391, COSPAR 2002-012A) was a D satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Mar 2018, launched on 17 Mar 2002 on the GRACE 1 mission. It was operated by GFZ / JPL as part of the DLR Geo programme. The spacecraft was built by ASTD on the FlexBus bus, with a mass of 475 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
2018
re-entered
16
years on orbit
475
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Mar 2002 · on the GRACE 1 mission
Operational27 Oct 2017 · entered service
Retired13 Dec 2017 · end of operational service
Re-entered10 Mar 2018 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID27391
COSPAR2002-012A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGFZ / JPL
Country / StateD
ManufacturerASTD
BusFlexBus
Mass475 kg (443 kg dry)
ProgrammeDLR Geo
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)
Altitude482 × 506 km
Inclination89.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GRACE 1?

GRACE 1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Mar 2018, 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 GRACE 1 re-enter the atmosphere?

GRACE 1 re-entered on 10 Mar 2018, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was GRACE 1 operational?

GRACE 1 was operational for roughly 2 months, from 27 Oct 2017 to 13 Dec 2017.

Who operated and built GRACE 1?

GRACE 1 was operated by GFZ / JPL and built by ASTD (D).

Launched together

GRACE 2Re-entered 2017
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.