HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesGAMBIT SV 968
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

GAMBIT SV 968

Re-entered 1 Jun 1965

GAMBIT SV 968 (NORAD 1386, COSPAR 1965-041A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jun 1965, launched on 27 May 1965 on the GAMBIT SV 968 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the AFP-206 programme. The spacecraft was built by GEVF on the AFP-206 OCV bus, with a mass of 2,000 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
1965
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,000
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched27 May 1965 · on the GAMBIT SV 968 mission
Operational30 May 1965 · entered service
Retired30 May 1965 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Jun 1965 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID1386
COSPAR1965-041A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGEVF
BusAFP-206 OCV
Mass2,000 kg
ProgrammeAFP-206
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude149 × 267 km
Inclination95.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT SV 968?

GAMBIT SV 968 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jun 1965, 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 GAMBIT SV 968 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT SV 968 re-entered on 1 Jun 1965, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT SV 968?

GAMBIT SV 968 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by GEVF (US).

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