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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Cygnus OA-6

Re-entered 26 Mar 2016

Cygnus OA-6 (NORAD 41393, COSPAR 2016-019A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Mar 2016, launched on 23 Mar 2016 on the Cygnus OA-6 mission. It was operated by OATKD as part of the Cygnus programme. The spacecraft was built by OATKD on the EPCM bus, with a mass of 5,992 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.

2016
launched
2016
re-entered
0
years on orbit
5,992
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched23 Mar 2016 · on the Cygnus OA-6 mission
Operational22 Jun 2016 · entered service
Retired22 Jun 2016 · end of operational service
Re-entered26 Mar 2016 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID41393
COSPAR2016-019A
TypeSatellite
OperatorOATKD
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerOATKD
BusEPCM
Mass5,992 kg (2,643 kg dry)
ProgrammeCygnus
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude234 × 249 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Cygnus OA-6?

Cygnus OA-6 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Mar 2016, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2016. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Cygnus OA-6 re-enter the atmosphere?

Cygnus OA-6 re-entered on 26 Mar 2016, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Cygnus OA-6?

Cygnus OA-6 was operated by OATKD and built by OATKD (US).

Launched together

Diwata-1Re-entered 2020Dove 0D05Re-entered 2016Dove 0D06Re-entered 2016Dove 0C1BRe-entered 2016Dove 0C22Re-entered 2016Lemur FM10Re-entered 2016Lemur FM11Re-entered 2016Lemur FM12Re-entered 2016
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.