MESSENGER

Re-entered 3 Aug 2004

MESSENGER (NORAD 28391, COSPAR 2004-030A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Aug 2004, launched on 3 Aug 2004 on the MESSENGER mission. It was operated by APL as part of the Discovery programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the Messenger bus, with a mass of 1,108 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.

2004

launched

2004

re-entered

years on orbit

1,108

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Aug 2004 · on the MESSENGER mission

Operational30 Apr 2015 · entered service

Retired30 Apr 2015 · end of operational service

Re-entered3 Aug 2004 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID28391

COSPAR2004-030A

TypeSatellite

OperatorAPL

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerAPL

BusMessenger

Mass1,108 kg (513 kg dry)

ProgrammeDiscovery

CategoryPLAN

OrbitHEO (EEO)

Altitude190 × -61,701 km

Inclination32.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to MESSENGER?

MESSENGER re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Aug 2004, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2004. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did MESSENGER re-enter the atmosphere?

MESSENGER re-entered on 3 Aug 2004, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built MESSENGER?

MESSENGER was operated by APL and built by APL (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: MESSENGER → What is space debris? →