HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesMass Simulator Payload
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Mass Simulator Payload

Re-entered 14 May 2023

Mass Simulator Payload (NORAD 49494, COSPAR 2021-108A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 May 2023, launched on 20 Nov 2021 on the STP-27AD2 mission. It was operated by STP as part of the Astra Rocket programme. The spacecraft was built by STP on the Astra bus, with a mass of 1 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
1
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Nov 2021 · on the STP-27AD2 mission
Operational20 Nov 2021 · entered service
Retired20 Nov 2021 · end of operational service
Re-entered14 May 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID49494
COSPAR2021-108A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSTP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSTP
BusAstra
Mass1 kg
ProgrammeAstra Rocket
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)
Altitude438 × 507 km
Inclination86.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mass Simulator Payload?

Mass Simulator Payload re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 May 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 Mass Simulator Payload re-enter the atmosphere?

Mass Simulator Payload re-entered on 14 May 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mass Simulator Payload?

Mass Simulator Payload was operated by STP and built by STP (US).

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