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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

RBSP A

Re-entered 9 Nov 2012

RBSP A (NORAD 38752, COSPAR 2012-046A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Nov 2012, launched on 30 Aug 2012 on the RBSP-A mission. It was operated by GSFC / APL as part of the SOLTP programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the RBSP bus, with a mass of 648 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.

2012
launched
2012
re-entered
0
years on orbit
648
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched30 Aug 2012 · on the RBSP-A mission
Operational18 Oct 2019 · entered service
Retired18 Oct 2019 · end of operational service
Re-entered9 Nov 2012 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID38752
COSPAR2012-046A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC / APL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAPL
BusRBSP
Mass648 kg (592 kg dry)
ProgrammeSOLTP
CategorySCI
OrbitHEO (HEO)
Altitude595 × 30,527 km
Inclination10.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to RBSP A?

RBSP A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Nov 2012, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2012. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did RBSP A re-enter the atmosphere?

RBSP A re-entered on 9 Nov 2012, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built RBSP A?

RBSP A was operated by GSFC / APL and built by APL (US).

Launched together

RBSP BRe-entered 2012
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.