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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

REXS

Re-entered 19 May 1980

REXS (NORAD 6152, COSPAR 1972-064A) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 May 1980, launched on 19 Aug 1972 on the REXS mission. It was operated by ISAS as part of the Mu Early programme. The spacecraft was built by ISAS on the REXS bus, with a mass of 75 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.

1972
launched
1980
re-entered
8
years on orbit
75
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched19 Aug 1972 · on the REXS mission
Operational1 May 1973 · entered service
Retired1 May 1973 · end of operational service
Re-entered19 May 1980 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6152
COSPAR1972-064A
TypeSatellite
OperatorISAS
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerISAS
BusREXS
Mass75 kg
ProgrammeMu Early
CategorySCI
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude236 × 6,273 km
Inclination31.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to REXS?

REXS re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 May 1980, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1972. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did REXS re-enter the atmosphere?

REXS re-entered on 19 May 1980, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built REXS?

REXS was operated by ISAS and built by ISAS (J).

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