ASTRO-F

Re-entered 11 Apr 2023

ASTRO-F (NORAD 28939, COSPAR 2006-005A) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Apr 2023, launched on 21 Feb 2006 on the ASTRO-F mission. It was operated by ISASJ as part of the ASTRO programme. The spacecraft was built by ISASJ on the ASTRO F bus, with a mass of 952 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.

2006

launched

2023

re-entered

years on orbit

952

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Feb 2006 · on the ASTRO-F mission

Operational1 Jun 2011 · entered service

Retired24 Nov 2011 · end of operational service

Re-entered11 Apr 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID28939

COSPAR2006-005A

TypeSatellite

OperatorISASJ

Country / StateJ

ManufacturerISASJ

BusASTRO F

Mass952 kg (900 kg dry)

ProgrammeASTRO

CategoryAST

OrbitLEO (LEO/S)

Altitude696 × 711 km

Inclination98.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ASTRO-F?

ASTRO-F re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Apr 2023, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2006. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did ASTRO-F re-enter the atmosphere?

ASTRO-F re-entered on 11 Apr 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was ASTRO-F operational?

ASTRO-F was operational for roughly 6 months, from 1 Jun 2011 to 24 Nov 2011.

Who operated and built ASTRO-F?

ASTRO-F was operated by ISASJ and built by ISASJ (J).

Launched together

CUTE-1.7-APDRe-entered 2009

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: ASTRO-F → What is space debris? →