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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

DART

Re-entered 24 Nov 2021

DART (NORAD 49497, COSPAR 2021-110A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 Nov 2021, launched on 24 Nov 2021 on the DART mission. It was operated by APL / MSFC as part of the PDC programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the DART bus, with a mass of 610 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
610
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Nov 2021 · on the DART mission
Operational26 Sep 2022 · entered service
Retired26 Sep 2022 · end of operational service
Re-entered24 Nov 2021 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID49497
COSPAR2021-110A
TypeSatellite
OperatorAPL / MSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAPL
BusDART
Mass610 kg (500 kg dry)
ProgrammePDC
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude263 × -135,350 km
Inclination64.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to DART?

DART re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 Nov 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 DART re-enter the atmosphere?

DART re-entered on 24 Nov 2021, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built DART?

DART was operated by APL / MSFC and built by APL (US).

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