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HEXAGON SV-17

Re-entered 5 Dec 1982

HEXAGON SV-17 (NORAD 13170, COSPAR 1982-041A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Dec 1982, launched on 11 May 1982 on the HEXAGON SV-17 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 8,542 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
8,542
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 May 1982 · on the HEXAGON SV-17 mission
Operational5 Dec 1982 · entered service
Retired5 Dec 1982 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 Dec 1982 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID13170
COSPAR1982-041A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-9
Mass8,542 kg (6,542 kg dry)
ProgrammeHex III
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude167 × 252 km
Inclination96.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEXAGON SV-17?

HEXAGON SV-17 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Dec 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 HEXAGON SV-17 re-enter the atmosphere?

HEXAGON SV-17 re-entered on 5 Dec 1982, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEXAGON SV-17?

HEXAGON SV-17 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

Launched together

P-11 No. 4433NORAD 13172
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.