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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Megha-Tropiques

Re-entered 7 Mar 2023

Megha-Tropiques (NORAD 37838, COSPAR 2011-058A) was a IN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Mar 2023, launched on 12 Oct 2011 on the Megha-Tropiques mission. It was operated by ISRO / CNES as part of the ISRO RS2 programme. The spacecraft was built by ISAC on the IRS bus, with a mass of 1,000 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.

2011
launched
2023
re-entered
12
years on orbit
1,000
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched12 Oct 2011 · on the Megha-Tropiques mission
Operational1 Apr 2022 · entered service
Retired7 Mar 2023 · end of operational service
Re-entered7 Mar 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID37838
COSPAR2011-058A
TypeSatellite
OperatorISRO / CNES
Country / StateIN
ManufacturerISAC
BusIRS
Mass1,000 kg (950 kg dry)
ProgrammeISRO RS2
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LEO/E)
Altitude779 × 866 km
Inclination19.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Megha-Tropiques?

Megha-Tropiques re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Mar 2023, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2011. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Megha-Tropiques re-enter the atmosphere?

Megha-Tropiques re-entered on 7 Mar 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Megha-Tropiques operational?

Megha-Tropiques was operational for roughly 11 months, from 1 Apr 2022 to 7 Mar 2023.

Who operated and built Megha-Tropiques?

Megha-Tropiques was operated by ISRO / CNES and built by ISAC (IN).

Launched together

JugnuNORAD 37839AIS VesselSat 1NORAD 37840SRMSATNORAD 37841
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.