Re-Entry: Shijian-10 Orbital Module

The separable Orbital Module of the Shijian-10 Microgravity Science Satellite re-entered the atmosphere on July 1st, 2016 after spending almost three months in a Low Earth Orbit, supporting the two-week mission of the SJ-10 spacecraft that returned to Earth after performing a number of experiments in space.

SJ-10 launched atop a Long March 2D rocket on April 5 and completed a twenty microgravity experiments over the course of a 13-day stay in orbit. At the conclusion of the mission, the Entry Module of the satellite separated and conducted a propulsive deorbit maneuver while the Orbital Module was to continue orbiting to complete fluid physics experiments that did not need a return to Earth. The module’s batteries were expected to run out several days later.

>>Shijian-10 Satellite & Experiment Overview

NORAD ID: 41455
Origin: China
Object: SJ-10 Module
Total Spacecraft Mass: 3,600 Kilograms
Inclination: 42.9°
Launched: April 5, 2016 – 18:00 UTC
Launch Vehicle: Long March 2D
Launch Site: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China

Recoverable Module Separation & Landing: April 18, 2016

Re-Entry Prediction: July 1, 2016 – 13:01 UTC +/-13 Min.
Re-Entry Zone: Pacific Ocean, from Indonesia to North American West Coast

Re-Entry Orbit