XSS-11

Re-entered 12 Nov 2013

XSS-11 (NORAD 28636, COSPAR 2005-011A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Nov 2013, launched on 11 Apr 2005 on the USA 165 (XSS-11) mission. It was operated by AFRL as part of the XSS programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSSD/DENV on the XSS-11 bus, with a mass of 125 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

2013

re-entered

years on orbit

125

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Apr 2005 · on the USA 165 (XSS-11) mission

Operational1 Dec 2006 · entered service

Retired1 Dec 2006 · end of operational service

Re-entered12 Nov 2013 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID28636

COSPAR2005-011A

TypeSatellite

OperatorAFRL

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSSD/DENV

BusXSS-11

Mass125 kg (100 kg dry)

ProgrammeXSS

CategoryTECH*

OrbitLEO (LEO/S)

Altitude847 × 873 km

Inclination98.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to XSS-11?

XSS-11 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Nov 2013, 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 XSS-11 re-enter the atmosphere?

XSS-11 re-entered on 12 Nov 2013, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built XSS-11?

XSS-11 was operated by AFRL and built by LMSSD/DENV (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: USA 165 (XSS-11) → What is space debris? →