HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesTES-3
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

TES-3

Re-entered 16 Jan 2014

TES-3 (NORAD 39415, COSPAR 1998-067DD) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Jan 2014, launched on 3 Aug 2013 on the 77KM No. 17501 mission. It was operated by ARC / SJSU as part of the TES programme. The spacecraft was built by SJSU on the Cubesat 3U bus, with a mass of 4 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
2014
re-entered
1
year on orbit
4
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Aug 2013 · on the 77KM No. 17501 mission
Operational21 Nov 2013 · entered service
Retired16 Jan 2014 · end of operational service
Re-entered16 Jan 2014 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID39415
COSPAR1998-067DD
TypeSatellite
OperatorARC / SJSU
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSJSU
BusCubesat 3U
Mass4 kg
ProgrammeTES
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude410 × 415 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to TES-3?

TES-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Jan 2014, 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 TES-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

TES-3 re-entered on 16 Jan 2014, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was TES-3 operational?

TES-3 was operational for roughly 2 months, from 21 Nov 2013 to 16 Jan 2014.

Who operated and built TES-3?

TES-3 was operated by ARC / SJSU and built by SJSU (US).

Launched together

Ardusat-1Re-entered 2014PicoDragonRe-entered 2014Ardusat-XRe-entered 2014HTV 4Re-entered 2013
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.