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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Gemini SC5

Re-entered 29 Aug 1965

Gemini SC5 (NORAD 1516, COSPAR 1965-068A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Aug 1965, launched on 21 Aug 1965 on the Gemini SC5 mission. It was operated by MSC as part of the Gemini programme. The spacecraft was built by MCDA on the Gemini bus, with a mass of 2,147 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
2,147
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Aug 1965 · on the Gemini SC5 mission
Operational29 Aug 1965 · entered service
Retired29 Aug 1965 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 Aug 1965 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID1516
COSPAR1965-068A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMCDA
BusGemini
Mass2,147 kg
ProgrammeGemini
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude170 × 330 km
Inclination32.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Gemini SC5?

Gemini SC5 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Aug 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 Gemini SC5 re-enter the atmosphere?

Gemini SC5 re-entered on 29 Aug 1965, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Gemini SC5?

Gemini SC5 was operated by MSC and built by MCDA (US).

Launched together

Rendezvous Evaluation PodRe-entered 1965
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.