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DMSP Block 3 F-1

Re-entered 9 Mar 2012

DMSP Block 3 F-1 (NORAD 1377, COSPAR 1965-038A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Mar 2012, launched on 20 May 1965 on the DAPP 12 (Block 3) mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the DAPP3 programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the P35 bus, with a mass of 72 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.

1965
launched
2012
re-entered
47
years on orbit
72
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 May 1965 · on the DAPP 12 (Block 3) mission
Operational16 Feb 1967 · entered service
Retired16 Feb 1967 · end of operational service
Re-entered9 Mar 2012 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID1377
COSPAR1965-038A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusP35
Mass72 kg
ProgrammeDAPP3
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude554 × 962 km
Inclination98.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to DMSP Block 3 F-1?

DMSP Block 3 F-1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Mar 2012, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1965. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did DMSP Block 3 F-1 re-enter the atmosphere?

DMSP Block 3 F-1 re-entered on 9 Mar 2012, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built DMSP Block 3 F-1?

DMSP Block 3 F-1 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by RCA (US).

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