HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesChang'e-2
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Chang'e-2

Re-entered 2 Oct 2010

Chang'e-2 (NORAD 37174, COSPAR 2010-050A) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Oct 2010, launched on 1 Oct 2010 on the chang'e erhao weixing mission. It was operated by CASC as part of the Chang'e programme. The spacecraft was built by CAST on the DFH-3 bus, with a mass of 2,480 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.

2010
launched
2010
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,480
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched1 Oct 2010 · on the chang'e erhao weixing mission
Operational1 Dec 2012 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 2014 · end of operational service
Re-entered2 Oct 2010 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID37174
COSPAR2010-050A
TypeSatellite
OperatorCASC
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerCAST
BusDFH-3
Mass2,480 kg (1,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeChang'e
CategoryPLAN
OrbitBEO (CLO)
Altitude300 × 380,000 km
Inclination32.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Chang'e-2?

Chang'e-2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Oct 2010, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2010. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Chang'e-2 re-enter the atmosphere?

Chang'e-2 re-entered on 2 Oct 2010, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Chang'e-2 operational?

Chang'e-2 was operational for roughly 13 months, from 1 Dec 2012 to 1 Jan 2014.

Who operated and built Chang'e-2?

Chang'e-2 was operated by CASC and built by CAST (CN).

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