HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesAIM
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

AIM

Re-entered 19 Aug 2024

AIM (NORAD 31304, COSPAR 2007-015A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Aug 2024, launched on 25 Apr 2007 on the AIM mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the SMEX programme. The spacecraft was built by OSCD on the LeoStar-2 bus, with a mass of 192 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
2024
re-entered
17
years on orbit
192
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched25 Apr 2007 · on the AIM mission
Operational16 Mar 2023 · entered service
Retired16 Mar 2023 · end of operational service
Re-entered19 Aug 2024 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID31304
COSPAR2007-015A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerOSCD
BusLeoStar-2
Mass192 kg
ProgrammeSMEX
CategoryEOSCI
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude585 × 600 km
Inclination97.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AIM?

AIM re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Aug 2024, 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 AIM re-enter the atmosphere?

AIM re-entered on 19 Aug 2024, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AIM?

AIM was operated by GSFC and built by OSCD (US).

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