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HEXAGON SV-14

Re-entered 11 Sep 1978

HEXAGON SV-14 (NORAD 10733, COSPAR 1978-029A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Sep 1978, launched on 16 Mar 1978 on the HEXAGON SV-14 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.

1978
launched
1978
re-entered
0
years on orbit
8,211
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Mar 1978 · on the HEXAGON SV-14 mission
Operational11 Sep 1978 · entered service
Retired11 Sep 1978 · end of operational service
Re-entered11 Sep 1978 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID10733
COSPAR1978-029A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-9
Mass8,211 kg (6,311 kg dry)
ProgrammeHex III
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude160 × 248 km
Inclination96.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEXAGON SV-14?

HEXAGON SV-14 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Sep 1978, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1978. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did HEXAGON SV-14 re-enter the atmosphere?

HEXAGON SV-14 re-entered on 11 Sep 1978, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEXAGON SV-14?

HEXAGON SV-14 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

Launched together

P-11 No. 4432Re-entered 1992
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.