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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

LES 3

Re-entered 6 Apr 1968

LES 3 (NORAD 1941, COSPAR 1965-108D) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Apr 1968, 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 16 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
1968
re-entered
3
years on orbit
16
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Dec 1965 · on the LES 4 mission
Operational6 Apr 1968 · entered service
Retired6 Apr 1968 · end of operational service
Re-entered6 Apr 1968 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID1941
COSPAR1965-108D
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFSSD
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMITLL
BusLES
Mass16 kg
ProgrammeLES
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO)
Altitude190 × 32,807 km
Inclination26.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to LES 3?

LES 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Apr 1968, 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 3 re-enter the atmosphere?

LES 3 re-entered on 6 Apr 1968, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built LES 3?

LES 3 was operated by AFSSD and built by MITLL (US).

Launched together

LES 4Re-entered 1977OSCAR 4Re-entered 1976OV2-3NORAD 13912
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.