VESTA
Re-entered 8 Jan 2026VESTA (NORAD 43781, COSPAR 2018-099Z) was a UK satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Jan 2026, launched on 3 Dec 2018 on the SSO-A mission. It was operated by HONEYA / UKSA as part of the ComDev programme. The spacecraft was built by SSTLA/HONEYA on the Cubesat 3U bus, with a mass of 5 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to VESTA?
VESTA re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Jan 2026, 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 VESTA re-enter the atmosphere?
VESTA re-entered on 8 Jan 2026, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built VESTA?
VESTA was operated by HONEYA / UKSA and built by SSTLA/HONEYA (UK).