GAMBIT-3 FM-54

Re-entered 12 Aug 1984

GAMBIT-3 FM-54 (NORAD 14935, COSPAR 1984-039A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Aug 1984, launched on 17 Apr 1984 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4354 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the KH8E programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the KH-8 bus, with a mass of 2,400 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.

1984

launched

1984

re-entered

years on orbit

2,400

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Apr 1984 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4354 mission

Operational13 Aug 1984 · entered service

Retired13 Aug 1984 · end of operational service

Re-entered12 Aug 1984 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID14935

COSPAR1984-039A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / SAFSP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC

BusKH-8

Mass2,400 kg

ProgrammeKH8E

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)

Altitude127 × 235 km

Inclination96.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-54?

GAMBIT-3 FM-54 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Aug 1984, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1984. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did GAMBIT-3 FM-54 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-54 re-entered on 12 Aug 1984, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-54?

GAMBIT-3 FM-54 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

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

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: GAMBIT-3 Mission 4354 → What is space debris? →