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OSCAR 4

Re-entered 12 Apr 1976

OSCAR 4 (NORAD 1902, COSPAR 1965-108C) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Apr 1976, launched on 21 Dec 1965 on the LES 4 mission. It was operated by OSCAR as part of the OSCAR programme. The spacecraft was built by TRWRC on the OSCAR bus, with a mass of 18 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
1976
re-entered
11
years on orbit
18
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Dec 1965 · on the LES 4 mission
Operational16 Mar 1966 · entered service
Retired16 Mar 1966 · end of operational service
Re-entered12 Apr 1976 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID1902
COSPAR1965-108C
TypeSatellite
OperatorOSCAR
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRWRC
BusOSCAR
Mass18 kg
ProgrammeOSCAR
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO)
Altitude162 × 33,561 km
Inclination26.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OSCAR 4?

OSCAR 4 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Apr 1976, 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 OSCAR 4 re-enter the atmosphere?

OSCAR 4 re-entered on 12 Apr 1976, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OSCAR 4?

OSCAR 4 was operated by OSCAR and built by TRWRC (US).

Launched together

LES 4Re-entered 1977LES 3Re-entered 1968OV2-3NORAD 13912
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.