AFRL-XVI
Re-entered 7 Jan 2026AFRL-XVI (NORAD 56942, COSPAR 2023-084L) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Jan 2026, launched on 12 Jun 2023 on the Transporter-8 mission. It was operated by AFRL / VIA as part of the AFRL Tech programme. The spacecraft was built by BLCAN/VIA on the Cubesat 12U bus, with a mass of 23 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to AFRL-XVI?
AFRL-XVI re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Jan 2026, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2023. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did AFRL-XVI re-enter the atmosphere?
AFRL-XVI re-entered on 7 Jan 2026, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built AFRL-XVI?
AFRL-XVI was operated by AFRL / VIA and built by BLCAN/VIA (US).