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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

EZ-3

Re-entered 27 Sep 2022

EZ-3 (NORAD 48619, COSPAR 2021-042B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Sep 2022, launched on 18 May 2021 on the SBIRS GEO-5 mission. It was operated by SMC / USAFA as part of the SMC Cube programme. The spacecraft was built by SMC on the Cubesat 12U bus, with a mass of 20 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.

2021
launched
2022
re-entered
1
year on orbit
20
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 May 2021 · on the SBIRS GEO-5 mission
Operational1 Sep 2022 · entered service
Retired1 Sep 2022 · end of operational service
Re-entered27 Sep 2022 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID48619
COSPAR2021-042B
TypeSatellite
OperatorSMC / USAFA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSMC
BusCubesat 12U
Mass20 kg
ProgrammeSMC Cube
CategoryTECH
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude179 × 4,518 km
Inclination26.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to EZ-3?

EZ-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Sep 2022, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2021. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did EZ-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

EZ-3 re-entered on 27 Sep 2022, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built EZ-3?

EZ-3 was operated by SMC / USAFA and built by SMC (US).

Launched together

SBIRS GEO SV5NORAD 48618EZ-4Re-entered 2022
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.