AC-8a
Re-entered 11 Oct 2021AC-8a (NORAD 40659, COSPAR 2015-025J) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Oct 2021, launched on 20 May 2015 on the X-37B No. 2? mission. It was operated by AERO as part of the Aerocube programme. The spacecraft was built by AERO on the Cubesat 1.5U bus, with a mass of 2 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 AC-8a?
AC-8a re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Oct 2021, 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 AC-8a re-enter the atmosphere?
AC-8a re-entered on 11 Oct 2021, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built AC-8a?
AC-8a was operated by AERO and built by AERO (US).