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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

HEXAGON SV-13

Re-entered 23 Dec 1977

HEXAGON SV-13 (NORAD 10111, COSPAR 1977-056A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Dec 1977, launched on 27 Jun 1977 on the HEXAGON SV-13 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the Hex III programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the KH-9 bus, with a mass of 8,211 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.

1977
launched
1977
re-entered
0
years on orbit
8,211
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched27 Jun 1977 · on the HEXAGON SV-13 mission
Operational23 Dec 1977 · entered service
Retired23 Dec 1977 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Dec 1977 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID10111
COSPAR1977-056A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-9
Mass8,211 kg (6,311 kg dry)
ProgrammeHex III
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude157 × 242 km
Inclination97.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEXAGON SV-13?

HEXAGON SV-13 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Dec 1977, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1977. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did HEXAGON SV-13 re-enter the atmosphere?

HEXAGON SV-13 re-entered on 23 Dec 1977, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEXAGON SV-13?

HEXAGON SV-13 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

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