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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

NASA S-3

Re-entered 31 Aug 1963

NASA S-3 (NORAD 170, COSPAR 1961 UPS) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Aug 1963, launched on 16 Aug 1961. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer EPE programme. The spacecraft was built by RAYM on the EPE bus, with a mass of 38 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.

1961
launched
1963
re-entered
2
years on orbit
38
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Aug 1961
Operational6 Dec 1961 · entered service
Retired6 Dec 1961 · end of operational service
Re-entered31 Aug 1963 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID170
COSPAR1961 UPS
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRAYM
BusEPE
Mass38 kg
ProgrammeExplorer EPE
CategorySCI
Orbit (VHEO)
Altitude457 × 77,170 km
Inclination33.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to NASA S-3?

NASA S-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 Aug 1963, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1961. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did NASA S-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

NASA S-3 re-entered on 31 Aug 1963, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built NASA S-3?

NASA S-3 was operated by GSFC and built by RAYM (US).

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