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James Webb Space Telescope

Re-entered 26 Dec 2021

James Webb Space Telescope (NORAD 50463, COSPAR 2021-130A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Dec 2021, launched on 25 Dec 2021 on the JWST mission. It was operated by GSFC / ESA as part of the NASA FO programme. The spacecraft was built by NGAS/GSFC on the JWST bus, with a mass of 6,161 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
6,161
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched25 Dec 2021 · on the JWST mission
Re-entered26 Dec 2021 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID50463
COSPAR2021-130A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC / ESA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNGAS/GSFC
BusJWST
Mass6,161 kg (5,861 kg dry)
ProgrammeNASA FO
CategoryAST
OrbitBEO (CLO)
Altitude315 × 1,048,000 km
Inclination4.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to James Webb Space Telescope?

James Webb Space Telescope re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Dec 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 James Webb Space Telescope re-enter the atmosphere?

James Webb Space Telescope re-entered on 26 Dec 2021, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built James Webb Space Telescope?

James Webb Space Telescope was operated by GSFC / ESA and built by NGAS/GSFC (US).

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