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STP-27VPA Cubesat 4

Re-entered 25 Nov 2023

STP-27VPA Cubesat 4 (NORAD 48877, COSPAR 2021-058G) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Nov 2023, launched on 30 Jun 2021 on the Tubular Bells I mission. It was operated by SPAWAR as part of the Spawar programme. The spacecraft was built by SPAWAR 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 Nov 2023 · entered service
Retired1 Nov 2023 · end of operational service
Re-entered25 Nov 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID48877
COSPAR2021-058G
TypeSatellite
OperatorSPAWAR
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPAWAR
BusCubesat 3U
Mass4 kg
ProgrammeSpawar
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude494 × 521 km
Inclination60.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to STP-27VPA Cubesat 4?

STP-27VPA Cubesat 4 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Nov 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 4 re-enter the atmosphere?

STP-27VPA Cubesat 4 re-entered on 25 Nov 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built STP-27VPA Cubesat 4?

STP-27VPA Cubesat 4 was operated by SPAWAR and built by SPAWAR (US).

Launched together

STORK 5Re-entered 2023STORK 4Re-entered 2023STP-27VPA Cubesat 1Re-entered 2023STP-27VPA Cubesat 2Re-entered 2023Brik-2Re-entered 2025STP-27VPA Cubesat 3Re-entered 2024
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.