AC-8b
Re-entered 2 Oct 2021AC-8b (NORAD 40660, COSPAR 2015-025K) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 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-8b?
AC-8b re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 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-8b re-enter the atmosphere?
AC-8b re-entered on 2 Oct 2021, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built AC-8b?
AC-8b was operated by AERO and built by AERO (US).