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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Deep Impact Flyby

Re-entered 13 Jan 2005

Deep Impact Flyby (NORAD 28517, COSPAR 2005-001A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Jan 2005, launched on 12 Jan 2005 on the Deep Impact mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the Discovery programme. The spacecraft was built by BALL on the BCP-2000 bus, with a mass of 601 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.

2005
launched
2005
re-entered
0
years on orbit
601
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched12 Jan 2005 · on the Deep Impact mission
Operational11 Aug 2013 · entered service
Retired11 Aug 2013 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Jan 2005 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID28517
COSPAR2005-001A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerBALL
BusBCP-2000
Mass601 kg (515 kg dry)
ProgrammeDiscovery
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude179 × -86,410 km
Inclination29.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Deep Impact Flyby?

Deep Impact Flyby re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Jan 2005, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2005. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Deep Impact Flyby re-enter the atmosphere?

Deep Impact Flyby re-entered on 13 Jan 2005, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Deep Impact Flyby?

Deep Impact Flyby was operated by JPL and built by BALL (US).

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