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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

AE-A

Re-entered 24 Nov 1966

AE-A (NORAD 564, COSPAR 1963-009A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 Nov 1966, launched on 3 Apr 1963 on the AE-A mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer AE programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC on the S-6 bus, with a mass of 184 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.

1963
launched
1966
re-entered
3
years on orbit
184
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Apr 1963 · on the AE-A mission
Operational7 Oct 1963 · entered service
Retired7 Oct 1963 · end of operational service
Re-entered24 Nov 1966 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID564
COSPAR1963-009A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGSFC
BusS-6
Mass184 kg
ProgrammeExplorer AE
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude246 × 914 km
Inclination57.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AE-A?

AE-A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 Nov 1966, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1963. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did AE-A re-enter the atmosphere?

AE-A re-entered on 24 Nov 1966, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AE-A?

AE-A was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC (US).

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