HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesIOD-1 GEMS
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

IOD-1 GEMS

Re-entered 3 Apr 2021

IOD-1 GEMS (NORAD 44385, COSPAR 1998-067QK) was a UK satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Apr 2021, launched on 17 Apr 2019 on the 77KM No. 17501 mission. It was operated by CATAP / OMSUK as part of the GEMS programme. The spacecraft was built by CLAAC/OMSUK on the Cubesat 3U bus, with a mass of 3 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.

2019
launched
2021
re-entered
2
years on orbit
3
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Apr 2019 · on the 77KM No. 17501 mission
Operational3 Apr 2021 · entered service
Retired3 Apr 2021 · end of operational service
Re-entered3 Apr 2021 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID44385
COSPAR1998-067QK
TypeSatellite
OperatorCATAP / OMSUK
Country / StateUK
ManufacturerCLAAC/OMSUK
BusCubesat 3U
Mass3 kg
ProgrammeGEMS
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude409 × 414 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to IOD-1 GEMS?

IOD-1 GEMS re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Apr 2021, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2019. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did IOD-1 GEMS re-enter the atmosphere?

IOD-1 GEMS re-entered on 3 Apr 2021, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built IOD-1 GEMS?

IOD-1 GEMS was operated by CATAP / OMSUK and built by CLAAC/OMSUK (UK).

Launched together

BIRD-LKARe-entered 2021BIRD-JPNRe-entered 2021BIRD-NPLRe-entered 2021SpooQy-1Re-entered 2021SwiatowidRe-entered 2021KRAKsatRe-entered 2022VCC ARe-entered 2021QB50-FR02Re-entered 2021
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.