Gaia
Re-entered 19 Dec 2013Gaia (NORAD 39479, COSPAR 2013-074A) was a I-ESA satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Dec 2013, launched on 19 Dec 2013 on the Gaia mission. It was operated by ESA as part of the ESA Ast programme. The spacecraft was built by ASTT on the Gaia bus, with a mass of 1,934 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Gaia?
Gaia re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 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 Gaia re-enter the atmosphere?
Gaia re-entered on 19 Dec 2013, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Gaia?
Gaia was operated by ESA and built by ASTT (I-ESA).