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STP-27VPA Cubesat 1

Re-entered 31 Oct 2023

STP-27VPA Cubesat 1 (NORAD 48874, COSPAR 2021-058D) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Oct 2023, launched on 30 Jun 2021 on the Tubular Bells I mission. It was operated by MDA as part of the STP2 programme. The spacecraft was built by AFRL? on the Cubesat 3U bus, with a mass of 4 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
2023
re-entered
2
years on orbit
4
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched30 Jun 2021 · on the Tubular Bells I mission
Operational1 Mar 2022 · entered service
Retired1 Mar 2022 · end of operational service
Re-entered31 Oct 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID48874
COSPAR2021-058D
TypeSatellite
OperatorMDA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAFRL?
BusCubesat 3U
Mass4 kg
ProgrammeSTP2
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude494 × 521 km
Inclination60.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to STP-27VPA Cubesat 1?

STP-27VPA Cubesat 1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Oct 2023, 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 STP-27VPA Cubesat 1 re-enter the atmosphere?

STP-27VPA Cubesat 1 re-entered on 31 Oct 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built STP-27VPA Cubesat 1?

STP-27VPA Cubesat 1 was operated by MDA and built by AFRL? (US).

Launched together

STORK 5Re-entered 2023STORK 4Re-entered 2023STP-27VPA Cubesat 2Re-entered 2023Brik-2Re-entered 2025STP-27VPA Cubesat 4Re-entered 2023STP-27VPA Cubesat 3Re-entered 2024
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.