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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

AE-E

Re-entered 10 Jun 1981

AE-E (NORAD 8440, COSPAR 1975-107A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Jun 1981, launched on 20 Nov 1975 on the AE-E 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 720 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
1981
re-entered
6
years on orbit
720
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Nov 1975 · on the AE-E mission
Operational10 Jun 1981 · entered service
Retired10 Jun 1981 · end of operational service
Re-entered10 Jun 1981 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID8440
COSPAR1975-107A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusAE-C
Mass720 kg (552 kg dry)
ProgrammeExplorer AE
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/E)
Altitude142 × 2,819 km
Inclination19.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AE-E?

AE-E re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Jun 1981, 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-E re-enter the atmosphere?

AE-E re-entered on 10 Jun 1981, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AE-E?

AE-E 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.