Orbital Express
Re-entered 21 Apr 2023Orbital Express (NORAD 30774, COSPAR 2007-006C) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Apr 2023, launched on 9 Mar 2007 on the Orbital Express mission. It was operated by DARPA2 as part of the STP2 programme. The spacecraft was built by BALL on the BCP-300 bus, with a mass of 224 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Orbital Express?
Orbital Express re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Apr 2023, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2007. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did Orbital Express re-enter the atmosphere?
Orbital Express re-entered on 21 Apr 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Orbital Express?
Orbital Express was operated by DARPA2 and built by BALL (US).