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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Chang'e-3

Re-entered 2 Dec 2013

Chang'e-3 (NORAD 39458, COSPAR 2013-070A) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Dec 2013, launched on 1 Dec 2013 on the CE-3 mission. It was operated by CASC as part of the Chang'e programme. The spacecraft was built by CAST on the DFH-3 bus, with a mass of 3,780 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
3,780
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched1 Dec 2013 · on the CE-3 mission
Operational1 Jan 2015 · entered service
Re-entered2 Dec 2013 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID39458
COSPAR2013-070A
TypeSatellite
OperatorCASC
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerCAST
BusDFH-3
Mass3,780 kg (1,200 kg dry)
ProgrammeChang'e
CategoryPLAN
OrbitBEO (CLO)
Altitude210 × 389,019 km
Inclination28.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Chang'e-3?

Chang'e-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Dec 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 Chang'e-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

Chang'e-3 re-entered on 2 Dec 2013, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Chang'e-3?

Chang'e-3 was operated by CASC and built by CAST (CN).

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