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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Chang'e-5 Orbiter

Re-entered 25 Nov 2020

Chang'e-5 Orbiter (NORAD 47097, COSPAR 2020-087A) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Nov 2020, launched on 23 Nov 2020 on the Chang'e-5 mission. It was operated by LDSE / SAST as part of the Chang'e programme. The spacecraft was built by SAST on the CE-5 bus, with a mass of 3,406 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.

2020
launched
2020
re-entered
0
years on orbit
3,406
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched23 Nov 2020 · on the Chang'e-5 mission
Operational30 Apr 2024 · entered service
Retired30 Apr 2024 · end of operational service
Re-entered25 Nov 2020 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID47097
COSPAR2020-087A
TypeSatellite
OperatorLDSE / SAST
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerSAST
BusCE-5
Mass3,406 kg (950 kg dry)
ProgrammeChang'e
CategoryPLAN
OrbitBEO (CLO)
Altitude201 × 392,981 km
Inclination21.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Chang'e-5 Orbiter?

Chang'e-5 Orbiter re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Nov 2020, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2020. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Chang'e-5 Orbiter re-enter the atmosphere?

Chang'e-5 Orbiter re-entered on 25 Nov 2020, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Chang'e-5 Orbiter?

Chang'e-5 Orbiter was operated by LDSE / SAST and built by SAST (CN).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.