NFIRE

Re-entered 4 Nov 2015

NFIRE (NORAD 31140, COSPAR 2007-014A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Nov 2015, launched on 24 Apr 2007 on the NFIRE mission. It was operated by MDA as part of the NFIRE programme. The spacecraft was built by GDG on the SA-200 bus, with a mass of 494 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.

2007

launched

2015

re-entered

years on orbit

494

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Apr 2007 · on the NFIRE mission

Operational3 Aug 2015 · entered service

Retired3 Aug 2015 · end of operational service

Re-entered4 Nov 2015 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID31140

COSPAR2007-014A

TypeSatellite

OperatorMDA

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerGDG

BusSA-200

Mass494 kg (380 kg dry)

ProgrammeNFIRE

CategoryTECH

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude254 × 463 km

Inclination48.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to NFIRE?

NFIRE re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Nov 2015, 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 NFIRE re-enter the atmosphere?

NFIRE re-entered on 4 Nov 2015, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built NFIRE?

NFIRE was operated by MDA and built by GDG (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: NFIRE → What is space debris? →