ADM-Aeolus

Re-entered 28 Jul 2023

ADM-Aeolus (NORAD 43600, COSPAR 2018-066A) was a I-ESA satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Jul 2023, launched on 22 Aug 2018 on the ADM-Aeolus mission. It was operated by ESA as part of the Earth Exp programme. The spacecraft was built by ADSUK on the Mars Express bus, with a mass of 1,357 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.

2018

launched

2023

re-entered

years on orbit

1,357

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched22 Aug 2018 · on the ADM-Aeolus mission

Operational28 Jul 2023 · entered service

Retired28 Jul 2023 · end of operational service

Re-entered28 Jul 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID43600

COSPAR2018-066A

TypeSatellite

OperatorESA

Country / StateI-ESA

ManufacturerADSUK

BusMars Express

Mass1,357 kg (1,091 kg dry)

ProgrammeEarth Exp

CategoryEOSCI

OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)

Altitude314 × 317 km

Inclination96.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ADM-Aeolus?

ADM-Aeolus re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Jul 2023, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2018. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did ADM-Aeolus re-enter the atmosphere?

ADM-Aeolus re-entered on 28 Jul 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ADM-Aeolus?

ADM-Aeolus was operated by ESA and built by ADSUK (I-ESA).

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: ADM-Aeolus → What is space debris? →