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HEXAGON SV-15

Re-entered 22 Sep 1979

HEXAGON SV-15 (NORAD 11305, COSPAR 1979-025A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Sep 1979, launched on 16 Mar 1979 on the HEXAGON SV-15 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.

1979
launched
1979
re-entered
0
years on orbit
8,211
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Mar 1979 · on the HEXAGON SV-15 mission
Operational22 Sep 1979 · entered service
Retired22 Sep 1979 · end of operational service
Re-entered22 Sep 1979 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID11305
COSPAR1979-025A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-9
Mass8,211 kg (6,311 kg dry)
ProgrammeHex III
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude167 × 255 km
Inclination96.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEXAGON SV-15?

HEXAGON SV-15 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Sep 1979, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1979. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did HEXAGON SV-15 re-enter the atmosphere?

HEXAGON SV-15 re-entered on 22 Sep 1979, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEXAGON SV-15?

HEXAGON SV-15 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

Launched together

P-11 No. 4431Re-entered 1992
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.