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STP-27VPA Cubesat 3

Re-entered 30 Mar 2024

STP-27VPA Cubesat 3 (NORAD 48878, COSPAR 2021-058H) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 Mar 2024, launched on 30 Jun 2021 on the Tubular Bells I mission. It was operated by SMDC / TSEPT as part of the Gunsmoke programme. The spacecraft was built by TSEPT 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
2024
re-entered
3
years on orbit
4
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched30 Jun 2021 · on the Tubular Bells I mission
Operational1 Mar 2024 · entered service
Retired1 Mar 2024 · end of operational service
Re-entered30 Mar 2024 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID48878
COSPAR2021-058H
TypeSatellite
OperatorSMDC / TSEPT
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTSEPT
BusCubesat 3U
Mass4 kg
ProgrammeGunsmoke
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude494 × 521 km
Inclination60.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to STP-27VPA Cubesat 3?

STP-27VPA Cubesat 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 Mar 2024, 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 3 re-enter the atmosphere?

STP-27VPA Cubesat 3 re-entered on 30 Mar 2024, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built STP-27VPA Cubesat 3?

STP-27VPA Cubesat 3 was operated by SMDC / TSEPT and built by TSEPT (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 4Re-entered 2023
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.