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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Rendezvous Evaluation Pod

Re-entered 27 Aug 1965

Rendezvous Evaluation Pod (NORAD 1518, COSPAR 1965-068C) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Aug 1965, launched on 21 Aug 1965 on the Gemini SC5 mission. It was operated by MSC as part of the TDA programme. The spacecraft was built by MCDA on the REP bus, with a mass of 35 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
35
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Aug 1965 · on the Gemini SC5 mission
Operational27 Aug 1965 · entered service
Retired27 Aug 1965 · end of operational service
Re-entered27 Aug 1965 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID1518
COSPAR1965-068C
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMCDA
BusREP
Mass35 kg
ProgrammeTDA
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude169 × 338 km
Inclination32.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Rendezvous Evaluation Pod?

Rendezvous Evaluation Pod re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 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 Rendezvous Evaluation Pod re-enter the atmosphere?

Rendezvous Evaluation Pod re-entered on 27 Aug 1965, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Rendezvous Evaluation Pod?

Rendezvous Evaluation Pod was operated by MSC and built by MCDA (US).

Launched together

Gemini SC5Re-entered 1965
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.