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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Cygnus PCM-0

Re-entered 29 Sep 2013

Cygnus PCM-0 (NORAD 39258, COSPAR 2013-051A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Sep 2013, launched on 18 Sep 2013 on the Cygnus Orb-D mission. It was operated by OSCD as part of the Cygnus programme. The spacecraft was built by OSCD, with a mass of 2,627 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
2,627
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Sep 2013 · on the Cygnus Orb-D mission
Operational23 Oct 2013 · entered service
Retired23 Oct 2013 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 Sep 2013 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID39258
COSPAR2013-051A
TypeSatellite
OperatorOSCD
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerOSCD
Mass2,627 kg (1,927 kg dry)
ProgrammeCygnus
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude387 × 415 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Cygnus PCM-0?

Cygnus PCM-0 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Sep 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 Cygnus PCM-0 re-enter the atmosphere?

Cygnus PCM-0 re-entered on 29 Sep 2013, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Cygnus PCM-0?

Cygnus PCM-0 was operated by OSCD and built by OSCD (US).

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