Astra 1K

Re-entered 10 Dec 2002

Astra 1K (NORAD 27557, COSPAR 2002-053A) was a L satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Dec 2002, launched on 25 Nov 2002 on the Astra 1K mission. It was operated by SESGL as part of the Astra programme. The spacecraft was built by ALC on the Spacebus 3000B3S bus, with a mass of 5,250 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

2002

re-entered

years on orbit

5,250

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched25 Nov 2002 · on the Astra 1K mission

Operational10 Dec 2002 · entered service

Retired10 Dec 2002 · end of operational service

Re-entered10 Dec 2002 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID27557

COSPAR2002-053A

TypeSatellite

OperatorSESGL

Country / StateL

ManufacturerALC

BusSpacebus 3000B3S

Mass5,250 kg (2,500 kg dry)

ProgrammeAstra

CategoryCOM

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude142 × 288 km

Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Astra 1K?

Astra 1K re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Dec 2002, 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 Astra 1K re-enter the atmosphere?

Astra 1K re-entered on 10 Dec 2002, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Astra 1K?

Astra 1K was operated by SESGL and built by ALC (L).

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: Astra 1K → What is space debris? →