Helios 2B

Re-entered 14 Dec 2023

Helios 2B (NORAD 36124, COSPAR 2009-073A) was a F satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Dec 2023, launched on 18 Dec 2009 on the Helios 2B mission. It was operated by CNES / DGA as part of the Helios programme. The spacecraft was built by ASTT on the SPOT bus, with a mass of 4,200 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.

2009

launched

2023

re-entered

years on orbit

4,200

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Dec 2009 · on the Helios 2B mission

Operational30 Apr 2022 · entered service

Retired1 May 2022 · end of operational service

Re-entered14 Dec 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID36124

COSPAR2009-073A

TypeSatellite

OperatorCNES / DGA

Country / StateF

ManufacturerASTT

BusSPOT

Mass4,200 kg (4,000 kg dry)

ProgrammeHelios

CategoryIMG*

OrbitLEO (LEO/S)

Altitude670 × 685 km

Inclination98.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Helios 2B?

Helios 2B re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Dec 2023, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2009. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Helios 2B re-enter the atmosphere?

Helios 2B re-entered on 14 Dec 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Helios 2B?

Helios 2B was operated by CNES / DGA and built by ASTT (F).

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: Helios 2B → What is space debris? →