Vela III-A
Re-entered 1 Jan 1972Vela III-A (NORAD 1458, COSPAR 1965-058A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 1972, launched on 20 Jul 1965 on the Vela 3A mission. It is catalogued as Vela 3A. It was operated by USAF SSD as part of the Vela programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the Vela bus, with a mass of 132 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Vela III-A?
Vela III-A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 1972, 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 Vela III-A re-enter the atmosphere?
Vela III-A re-entered on 1 Jan 1972, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Vela III-A?
Vela III-A was operated by USAF SSD and built by TRW (US).