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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Lemur FM15

Re-entered 8 Apr 2023

Lemur FM15 (NORAD 41872, COSPAR 2016-062D) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Apr 2023, launched on 17 Oct 2016 on the Cygnus OA-5 mission. It was operated by Spire Global as part of the Spire programme. The spacecraft was built by SPIREG on the Cubesat 3U bus, with a mass of 4 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
7
years on orbit
4
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Oct 2016 · on the Cygnus OA-5 mission
Operational1 Jan 2020 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 2020 · end of operational service
Re-entered8 Apr 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID41872
COSPAR2016-062D
TypeSatellite
OperatorSpire Global
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPIREG
BusCubesat 3U
Mass4 kg
ProgrammeSpire
CategoryCOM/MET-RO
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude498 × 507 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Lemur FM15?

Lemur FM15 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Apr 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 Lemur FM15 re-enter the atmosphere?

Lemur FM15 re-entered on 8 Apr 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Lemur FM15?

Lemur FM15 was operated by Spire Global and built by SPIREG (US).

Launched together

Cygnus OA-5Re-entered 2016Lemur FM16Re-entered 2023Lemur FM17Re-entered 2024Lemur FM18Re-entered 2023
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.