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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

IGS Optical-2

Re-entered 29 Oct 2016

IGS Optical-2 (NORAD 29393, COSPAR 2006-037A) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Oct 2016, launched on 11 Sep 2006 on the IGS Optical-2 mission. It was operated by CSICE as part of the IGS-O-G1 programme. The spacecraft was built by MELCO on the IGS-O bus, with a mass of 1,500 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
2016
re-entered
10
years on orbit
1,500
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Sep 2006 · on the IGS Optical-2 mission
Operational1 Sep 2013 · entered service
Retired1 Sep 2013 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 Oct 2016 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID29393
COSPAR2006-037A
TypeSatellite
OperatorCSICE
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerMELCO
BusIGS-O
Mass1,500 kg (1,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeIGS-O-G1
CategoryIMG*
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude484 × 491 km
Inclination97.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to IGS Optical-2?

IGS Optical-2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Oct 2016, 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 IGS Optical-2 re-enter the atmosphere?

IGS Optical-2 re-entered on 29 Oct 2016, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built IGS Optical-2?

IGS Optical-2 was operated by CSICE and built by MELCO (J).

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