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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Europa Clipper

Re-entered 14 Oct 2024

Europa Clipper (NORAD 61507, COSPAR 2024-182A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Oct 2024, launched on 14 Oct 2024 on the Europa Clipper mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the Europa Clipper programme. The spacecraft was built by JPL on the Europa bus, with a mass of 5,991 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.

2024
launched
2024
re-entered
0
years on orbit
5,991
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Oct 2024 · on the Europa Clipper mission
Re-entered14 Oct 2024 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID61507
COSPAR2024-182A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerJPL
BusEuropa
Mass5,991 kg (3,241 kg dry)
ProgrammeEuropa Clipper
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude179 × -32,541 km
Inclination32.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Europa Clipper?

Europa Clipper re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Oct 2024, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2024. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Europa Clipper re-enter the atmosphere?

Europa Clipper re-entered on 14 Oct 2024, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Europa Clipper?

Europa Clipper was operated by JPL and built by JPL (US).

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