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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

MEPSI

Re-entered 31 Jan 2003

MEPSI (NORAD 27562, COSPAR 2002-052B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Jan 2003, launched on 24 Nov 2002 on the OV-105 ISS mission. It was operated by AFSMC as part of the MEPSI programme. The spacecraft was built by AERO, with a mass of 0.8 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
2003
re-entered
1
year on orbit
0.8
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Nov 2002 · on the OV-105 ISS mission
Operational4 Dec 2002 · entered service
Retired4 Dec 2002 · end of operational service
Re-entered31 Jan 2003 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID27562
COSPAR2002-052B
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFSMC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAERO
Mass0.8 kg
ProgrammeMEPSI
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude388 × 397 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to MEPSI?

MEPSI re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Jan 2003, 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 MEPSI re-enter the atmosphere?

MEPSI re-entered on 31 Jan 2003, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built MEPSI?

MEPSI was operated by AFSMC and built by AERO (US).

Launched together

OV-105Re-entered 2002
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.