HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesCygnus OA-5
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Cygnus OA-5

Re-entered 23 Oct 2016

Cygnus OA-5 (NORAD 41818, COSPAR 2016-062A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Oct 2016, launched on 17 Oct 2016 on the Cygnus OA-5 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 1,800 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
1,800
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Oct 2016 · on the Cygnus OA-5 mission
Operational27 Nov 2016 · entered service
Retired27 Nov 2016 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Oct 2016 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID41818
COSPAR2016-062A
TypeSatellite
OperatorOATKD
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerOATKD
BusEPCM
Mass1,800 kg
ProgrammeCygnus
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude209 × 351 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Cygnus OA-5?

Cygnus OA-5 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Oct 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-5 re-enter the atmosphere?

Cygnus OA-5 re-entered on 23 Oct 2016, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Cygnus OA-5?

Cygnus OA-5 was operated by OATKD and built by OATKD (US).

Launched together

Lemur FM16Re-entered 2023Lemur FM15Re-entered 2023Lemur FM17Re-entered 2024Lemur FM18Re-entered 2023
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.