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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

AE-D

Re-entered 12 Mar 1976

AE-D (NORAD 8353, COSPAR 1975-096A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Mar 1976, launched on 6 Oct 1975 on the AE-D mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer AE programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the AE-C bus, with a mass of 675 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.

1975
launched
1976
re-entered
1
year on orbit
675
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched6 Oct 1975 · on the AE-D mission
Operational29 Jan 1976 · entered service
Retired29 Jan 1976 · end of operational service
Re-entered12 Mar 1976 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID8353
COSPAR1975-096A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusAE-C
Mass675 kg (506 kg dry)
ProgrammeExplorer AE
CategoryEOSCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/P)
Altitude135 × 3,569 km
Inclination90.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AE-D?

AE-D re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Mar 1976, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1975. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did AE-D re-enter the atmosphere?

AE-D re-entered on 12 Mar 1976, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AE-D?

AE-D was operated by GSFC and built by RCA (US).

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