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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

GRACE 2

Re-entered 24 Dec 2017

GRACE 2 (NORAD 27392, COSPAR 2002-012B) was a D satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 Dec 2017, 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
2017
re-entered
15
years on orbit
475
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Mar 2002 · on the GRACE 1 mission
Operational27 Oct 2017 · entered service
Retired27 Oct 2017 · end of operational service
Re-entered24 Dec 2017 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID27392
COSPAR2002-012B
TypeSatellite
OperatorGFZ / JPL
Country / StateD
ManufacturerASTD
BusFlexBus
Mass475 kg (443 kg dry)
ProgrammeDLR Geo
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)
Altitude482 × 507 km
Inclination89.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GRACE 2?

GRACE 2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 Dec 2017, 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 2 re-enter the atmosphere?

GRACE 2 re-entered on 24 Dec 2017, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GRACE 2?

GRACE 2 was operated by GFZ / JPL and built by ASTD (D).

Launched together

GRACE 1Re-entered 2018
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.