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HEXAGON SV-18

Re-entered 21 Mar 1984

HEXAGON SV-18 (NORAD 14137, COSPAR 1983-060A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Mar 1984, launched on 20 Jun 1983 on the HEXAGON SV-18 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.

1983
launched
1984
re-entered
1
year on orbit
8,542
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Jun 1983 · on the HEXAGON SV-18 mission
Operational21 Mar 1984 · entered service
Retired21 Mar 1984 · end of operational service
Re-entered21 Mar 1984 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID14137
COSPAR1983-060A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-9
Mass8,542 kg (6,542 kg dry)
ProgrammeHex III
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude169 × 229 km
Inclination96.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEXAGON SV-18?

HEXAGON SV-18 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Mar 1984, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1983. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did HEXAGON SV-18 re-enter the atmosphere?

HEXAGON SV-18 re-entered on 21 Mar 1984, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEXAGON SV-18?

HEXAGON SV-18 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

Launched together

SS E2NORAD 14139
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.