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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

AC-11B

Re-entered 3 Jan 2024

AC-11B (NORAD 43849, COSPAR 2018-104A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Jan 2024, launched on 16 Dec 2018 on the Electron 04 Rideshare mission. It was operated by AERO as part of the Aerocube programme. The spacecraft was built by AERO on the Cubesat 3U bus, with a mass of 4.66 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
2024
re-entered
6
years on orbit
4.66
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Dec 2018 · on the Electron 04 Rideshare mission
Operational1 Dec 2023 · entered service
Retired1 Dec 2023 · end of operational service
Re-entered3 Jan 2024 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID43849
COSPAR2018-104A
TypeSatellite
OperatorAERO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAERO
BusCubesat 3U
Mass4.66 kg
ProgrammeAerocube
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)
Altitude492 × 512 km
Inclination85.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AC-11B?

AC-11B re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Jan 2024, 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 AC-11B re-enter the atmosphere?

AC-11B re-entered on 3 Jan 2024, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AC-11B?

AC-11B was operated by AERO and built by AERO (US).

Launched together

ShieldsRe-entered 2026STF-1Re-entered 2024CeREsRe-entered 2022RSatRe-entered 2023CHOMPTTRe-entered 2024CalPoly CP11Re-entered 2024DaVinciRe-entered 2023CubesailRe-entered 2024
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.