HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesSkykraft 3A
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Skykraft 3A

Re-entered 15 Dec 2024

Skykraft 3A (NORAD 56981, COSPAR 2023-084BB) was a AU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Dec 2024, launched on 12 Jun 2023 on the Transporter-8 mission. It was operated by SKYKR as part of the Skykraft programme. The spacecraft was built by SKYKR on the Skykraft bus, with a mass of 50 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.

2023
launched
2024
re-entered
1
year on orbit
50
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched12 Jun 2023 · on the Transporter-8 mission
Operational1 Nov 2024 · entered service
Retired1 Nov 2024 · end of operational service
Re-entered15 Dec 2024 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID56981
COSPAR2023-084BB
TypeSatellite
OperatorSKYKR
Country / StateAU
ManufacturerSKYKR
BusSkykraft
Mass50 kg
ProgrammeSkykraft
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude512 × 535 km
Inclination97.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Skykraft 3A?

Skykraft 3A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Dec 2024, 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 Skykraft 3A re-enter the atmosphere?

Skykraft 3A re-entered on 15 Dec 2024, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Skykraft 3A?

Skykraft 3A was operated by SKYKR and built by SKYKR (AU).

Launched together

FossaSat-2E16Re-entered 2024Blackjack Aces-1NORAD 56956ION-SCV011NORAD 56957GHOST-3NORAD 56958Pioneer-01Re-entered 2024Launcher Orbiter SN3NORAD 56960ICEYE-X26Re-entered 2026Tomorrow-R2Re-entered 2026
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.