Shields
Re-entered 12 Feb 2026Shields (NORAD 43850, COSPAR 2018-104B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Feb 2026, launched on 16 Dec 2018 on the Electron 04 Rideshare mission. It was operated by LARCN as part of the LARC Cube programme. The spacecraft was built by LARCN on the Cubesat 3U bus, with a mass of 6.93 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 Shields?
Shields re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Feb 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 Shields re-enter the atmosphere?
Shields re-entered on 12 Feb 2026, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Shields?
Shields was operated by LARCN and built by LARCN (US).