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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

GAMBIT SV 974

Re-entered 25 Jan 1966

GAMBIT SV 974 (NORAD 1939, COSPAR 1966-002A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Jan 1966, launched on 19 Jan 1966 on the GAMBIT SV 974 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the AFP-206 programme. The spacecraft was built by GEVF on the AFP-206 OCV bus, with a mass of 2,000 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.

1966
launched
1966
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,000
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched19 Jan 1966 · on the GAMBIT SV 974 mission
Operational24 Jan 1966 · entered service
Retired24 Jan 1966 · end of operational service
Re-entered25 Jan 1966 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID1939
COSPAR1966-002A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGEVF
BusAFP-206 OCV
Mass2,000 kg
ProgrammeAFP-206
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)
Altitude144 × 260 km
Inclination93.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT SV 974?

GAMBIT SV 974 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Jan 1966, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1966. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did GAMBIT SV 974 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT SV 974 re-entered on 25 Jan 1966, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT SV 974?

GAMBIT SV 974 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by GEVF (US).

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