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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Gemini SC6

Re-entered 16 Dec 1965

Gemini SC6 (NORAD 1839, COSPAR 1965-104A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Dec 1965, launched on 15 Dec 1965 on the Gemini SC6 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 2,168 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
2,168
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Dec 1965 · on the Gemini SC6 mission
Operational16 Dec 1965 · entered service
Retired16 Dec 1965 · end of operational service
Re-entered16 Dec 1965 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID1839
COSPAR1965-104A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMCDA
BusGemini
Mass2,168 kg
ProgrammeGemini
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude270 × 274 km
Inclination28.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Gemini SC6?

Gemini SC6 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Dec 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 SC6 re-enter the atmosphere?

Gemini SC6 re-entered on 16 Dec 1965, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Gemini SC6?

Gemini SC6 was operated by MSC and built by MCDA (US).

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