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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Artemis II

Re-entered 3 Apr 2026

Artemis II (NORAD 68538, COSPAR 2026-069A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Apr 2026, launched on 1 Apr 2026 on the Integrity mission. It is catalogued as Orion CM003. It was operated by NASA JSC as part of the Artemis programme. The spacecraft was built by LMKSC on the Orion bus, with a mass of 10,387 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.

2026
launched
2026
re-entered
0
years on orbit
10,387
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched1 Apr 2026 · on the Integrity mission
Operational11 Apr 2026 · entered service
Retired11 Apr 2026 · end of operational service
Re-entered3 Apr 2026 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID68538
COSPAR2026-069A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNASA JSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMKSC
BusOrion
Mass10,387 kg (9,400 kg dry)
ProgrammeArtemis
CategorySS
OrbitGEO (GEO/NS)
Altitude112 × 70,133 km
Inclination28.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Artemis II?

Artemis II re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Apr 2026, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2026. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Artemis II re-enter the atmosphere?

Artemis II re-entered on 3 Apr 2026, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Artemis II?

Artemis II was operated by NASA JSC and built by LMKSC (US).

Launched together

TACHELESRe-entered 2026SWC-1NORAD 68540K-RadCubeRe-entered 2026
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-16.