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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Cygnus NG-16

Re-entered 12 Aug 2021

Cygnus NG-16 (NORAD 49064, COSPAR 2021-072A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Aug 2021, launched on 10 Aug 2021 on the Cygnus NG-16 mission. It was operated by NGIS as part of the Cygnus programme. The spacecraft was built by NGISD on the EPCM bus, with a mass of 2,326 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
2021
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,326
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched10 Aug 2021 · on the Cygnus NG-16 mission
Operational15 Dec 2021 · entered service
Retired15 Dec 2021 · end of operational service
Re-entered12 Aug 2021 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID49064
COSPAR2021-072A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNGIS
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNGISD
BusEPCM
Mass2,326 kg
ProgrammeCygnus
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude216 × 336 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Cygnus NG-16?

Cygnus NG-16 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Aug 2021, 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 Cygnus NG-16 re-enter the atmosphere?

Cygnus NG-16 re-entered on 12 Aug 2021, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Cygnus NG-16?

Cygnus NG-16 was operated by NGIS and built by NGISD (US).

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