Optical CubeSat 3
Re-entered 1 Jan 2023Optical CubeSat 3 (NORAD 40658, COSPAR 2015-025H) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 2023, launched on 20 May 2015 on the X-37B No. 2? mission. It was operated by AFRL? as part of the CP Opt programme. The spacecraft was built by CALP 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Optical CubeSat 3?
Optical CubeSat 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 2023, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2015. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did Optical CubeSat 3 re-enter the atmosphere?
Optical CubeSat 3 re-entered on 1 Jan 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Optical CubeSat 3?
Optical CubeSat 3 was operated by AFRL? and built by CALP (US).