CU Alpha
Re-entered 8 May 2026CU Alpha (NORAD 66908, COSPAR 1998-067XU) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 May 2026, launched on 14 Sep 2025 on the 77KM No. 17501 mission. It was operated by Cornell as part of the Cornell programme. The spacecraft was built by CORN on the Cubesat 1U bus, with a mass of 1 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 CU Alpha?
CU Alpha re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 May 2026, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2025. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did CU Alpha re-enter the atmosphere?
CU Alpha re-entered on 8 May 2026, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built CU Alpha?
CU Alpha was operated by Cornell and built by CORN (US).