3Cat-2

Re-entered 18 Dec 2023

3Cat-2 (NORAD 41732, COSPAR 2016-051B) was a E satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Dec 2023, launched on 15 Aug 2016 on the QUESS mission. It was operated by UPC as part of the UPC programme. The spacecraft was built by UPC on the Cubesat 6U bus, with a mass of 7.1 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

2023

re-entered

years on orbit

7.1

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Aug 2016 · on the QUESS mission

Operational1 Jan 2018 · entered service

Retired1 Nov 2023 · end of operational service

Re-entered18 Dec 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID41732

COSPAR2016-051B

TypeSatellite

OperatorUPC

Country / StateE

ManufacturerUPC

BusCubesat 6U

Mass7.1 kg

ProgrammeUPC

CategoryEOSCI

OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)

Altitude485 × 503 km

Inclination97.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to 3Cat-2?

3Cat-2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Dec 2023, 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 3Cat-2 re-enter the atmosphere?

3Cat-2 re-entered on 18 Dec 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was 3Cat-2 operational?

3Cat-2 was operational for roughly 6 years, from 1 Jan 2018 to 1 Nov 2023.

Who operated and built 3Cat-2?

3Cat-2 was operated by UPC and built by UPC (E).

Launched together

QUESSRe-entered 2026 Qibo Daqi K WeixingRe-entered 2016

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: QUESS → What is space debris? →