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Picosat Solar Cell Testbed

Re-entered 17 Feb 2010

Picosat Solar Cell Testbed (NORAD 33445, COSPAR 2008-059B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Feb 2010, launched on 15 Nov 2008 on the OV-105 ISS mission. It was operated by AFRL as part of the MEPSI programme. The spacecraft was built by AERO on the Picosat bus, with a mass of 6.4 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.

2008
launched
2010
re-entered
2
years on orbit
6.4
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Nov 2008 · on the OV-105 ISS mission
Operational19 Mar 2009 · entered service
Retired19 Mar 2009 · end of operational service
Re-entered17 Feb 2010 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID33445
COSPAR2008-059B
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFRL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAERO
BusPicosat
Mass6.4 kg
ProgrammeMEPSI
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude342 × 347 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Picosat Solar Cell Testbed?

Picosat Solar Cell Testbed re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Feb 2010, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2008. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Picosat Solar Cell Testbed re-enter the atmosphere?

Picosat Solar Cell Testbed re-entered on 17 Feb 2010, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Picosat Solar Cell Testbed?

Picosat Solar Cell Testbed was operated by AFRL and built by AERO (US).

Launched together

OV-105Re-entered 2008
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.