ONYX 5

Re-entered 1 Apr 2022

ONYX 5 (NORAD 28646, COSPAR 2005-016A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Apr 2022, launched on 30 Apr 2005 on the ONYX 5 mission. It was operated by NROC as part of the ONYX5 programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSSD on the LACROSSE bus, with a mass of 9,000 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

2022

re-entered

years on orbit

9,000

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched30 Apr 2005 · on the ONYX 5 mission

Operational1 Apr 2022 · entered service

Retired1 Apr 2022 · end of operational service

Re-entered1 Apr 2022 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID28646

COSPAR2005-016A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNROC

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSSD

BusLACROSSE

Mass9,000 kg (8,500 kg dry)

ProgrammeONYX5

CategoryIMG-R*

OrbitLEO (LEO/I)

Altitude712 × 718 km

Inclination57.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ONYX 5?

ONYX 5 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Apr 2022, 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 ONYX 5 re-enter the atmosphere?

ONYX 5 re-entered on 1 Apr 2022, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ONYX 5?

ONYX 5 was operated by NROC and built by LMSSD (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: ONYX 5 → What is space debris? →