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LES 4

Re-entered 1 Aug 1977

LES 4 (NORAD 1870, COSPAR 1965-108B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Aug 1977, launched on 21 Dec 1965 on the LES 4 mission. It was operated by AFSSD as part of the LES programme. The spacecraft was built by MITLL on the LES bus, with a mass of 52 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
1977
re-entered
12
years on orbit
52
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Dec 1965 · on the LES 4 mission
Operational1 May 1966 · entered service
Retired1 May 1966 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Aug 1977 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID1870
COSPAR1965-108B
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFSSD
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMITLL
BusLES
Mass52 kg
ProgrammeLES
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO)
Altitude189 × 33,390 km
Inclination26.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to LES 4?

LES 4 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Aug 1977, 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 LES 4 re-enter the atmosphere?

LES 4 re-entered on 1 Aug 1977, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built LES 4?

LES 4 was operated by AFSSD and built by MITLL (US).

Launched together

OSCAR 4Re-entered 1976LES 3Re-entered 1968OV2-3NORAD 13912
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.