HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesDaVinci
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

DaVinci

Re-entered 9 Feb 2023

DaVinci (NORAD 43857, COSPAR 2018-104J) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Feb 2023, launched on 16 Dec 2018 on the Electron 04 Rideshare mission. It was operated by NISCA / LCFE as part of the NISCA programme. The spacecraft was built by NISCA on the Cubesat 3U bus, with a mass of 3.38 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
5
years on orbit
3.38
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Dec 2018 · on the Electron 04 Rideshare mission
Operational1 Jan 2023 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 2023 · end of operational service
Re-entered9 Feb 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID43857
COSPAR2018-104J
TypeSatellite
OperatorNISCA / LCFE
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNISCA
BusCubesat 3U
Mass3.38 kg
ProgrammeNISCA
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)
Altitude489 × 511 km
Inclination85.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to DaVinci?

DaVinci re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Feb 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 DaVinci re-enter the atmosphere?

DaVinci re-entered on 9 Feb 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built DaVinci?

DaVinci was operated by NISCA / LCFE and built by NISCA (US).

Launched together

AC-11BRe-entered 2024ShieldsRe-entered 2026STF-1Re-entered 2024CeREsRe-entered 2022RSatRe-entered 2023CHOMPTTRe-entered 2024CalPoly CP11Re-entered 2024CubesailRe-entered 2024
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.