HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesGAMBIT-3 FM-52
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

GAMBIT-3 FM-52

Re-entered 23 May 1982

GAMBIT-3 FM-52 (NORAD 13040, COSPAR 1982-006A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 May 1982, launched on 21 Jan 1982 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4352 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the KH8E programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the KH-8 bus, with a mass of 2,400 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.

1982
launched
1982
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,400
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Jan 1982 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4352 mission
Operational23 May 1982 · entered service
Retired23 May 1982 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 May 1982 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID13040
COSPAR1982-006A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-8
Mass2,400 kg
ProgrammeKH8E
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude606 × 645 km
Inclination97.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-52?

GAMBIT-3 FM-52 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 May 1982, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1982. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did GAMBIT-3 FM-52 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-52 re-entered on 23 May 1982, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-52?

GAMBIT-3 FM-52 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

Launched together

SRV-1Re-entered 2002
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.