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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

KMS-3 Unit 2

Re-entered 13 Sep 2023

KMS-3 Unit 2 (NORAD 39026, COSPAR 2012-072A) was a KP satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Sep 2023, launched on 12 Dec 2012 on the KMS-3 Unit 2 mission. It was operated by KCST as part of the KMS programme. The spacecraft was built by KCST on the TD Satellite bus, with a mass of 100 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
2023
re-entered
11
years on orbit
100
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched12 Dec 2012 · on the KMS-3 Unit 2 mission
Operational12 Dec 2012 · entered service
Retired12 Dec 2012 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Sep 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID39026
COSPAR2012-072A
TypeSatellite
OperatorKCST
Country / StateKP
ManufacturerKCST
BusTD Satellite
Mass100 kg
ProgrammeKMS
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude498 × 581 km
Inclination97.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to KMS-3 Unit 2?

KMS-3 Unit 2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Sep 2023, 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 KMS-3 Unit 2 re-enter the atmosphere?

KMS-3 Unit 2 re-entered on 13 Sep 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built KMS-3 Unit 2?

KMS-3 Unit 2 was operated by KCST and built by KCST (KP).

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