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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Bigelow Genesis-1

Re-entered 3 Jul 2025

Bigelow Genesis-1 (NORAD 29252, COSPAR 2006-029A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Jul 2025, launched on 12 Jul 2006 on the Bigelow Genesis-1 mission. It was operated by BIGEL as part of the Bigelow programme. The spacecraft was built by BIGEL, with a mass of 1,360 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
2025
re-entered
19
years on orbit
1,360
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched12 Jul 2006 · on the Bigelow Genesis-1 mission
Operational1 Jan 2009 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 2009 · end of operational service
Re-entered3 Jul 2025 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID29252
COSPAR2006-029A
TypeSatellite
OperatorBIGEL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerBIGEL
Mass1,360 kg
ProgrammeBigelow
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude555 × 561 km
Inclination64.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Bigelow Genesis-1?

Bigelow Genesis-1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Jul 2025, 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 Bigelow Genesis-1 re-enter the atmosphere?

Bigelow Genesis-1 re-entered on 3 Jul 2025, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Bigelow Genesis-1?

Bigelow Genesis-1 was operated by BIGEL and built by BIGEL (US).

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