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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

HTV 4

Re-entered 9 Aug 2013

HTV 4 (NORAD 39221, COSPAR 2013-040A) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Aug 2013, launched on 3 Aug 2013 on the HTV 4 mission. It was operated by JAXA as part of the HTV programme. The spacecraft was built by MHITO? on the HTV bus, with a mass of 15,400 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.

2013
launched
2013
re-entered
0
years on orbit
15,400
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Aug 2013 · on the HTV 4 mission
Operational7 Sep 2013 · entered service
Retired7 Sep 2013 · end of operational service
Re-entered9 Aug 2013 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID39221
COSPAR2013-040A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJAXA
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerMHITO?
BusHTV
Mass15,400 kg (8,700 kg dry)
ProgrammeHTV
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude281 × 302 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HTV 4?

HTV 4 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Aug 2013, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2013. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did HTV 4 re-enter the atmosphere?

HTV 4 re-entered on 9 Aug 2013, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HTV 4?

HTV 4 was operated by JAXA and built by MHITO? (J).

Launched together

Ardusat-1Re-entered 2014PicoDragonRe-entered 2014Ardusat-XRe-entered 2014TES-3Re-entered 2014
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.