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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

TDA 3

Re-entered 15 Sep 1967

TDA 3 (NORAD 2104, COSPAR 1966-019A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Sep 1967, launched on 16 Mar 1966 on the TDA 3 mission. It was operated by MSC as part of the TDA programme. The spacecraft was built by MCDA on the TDA bus, with a mass of 528 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
1967
re-entered
1
year on orbit
528
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Mar 1966 · on the TDA 3 mission
Operational25 Mar 1966 · entered service
Retired25 Mar 1966 · end of operational service
Re-entered15 Sep 1967 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2104
COSPAR1966-019A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMCDA
BusTDA
Mass528 kg
ProgrammeTDA
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude382 × 392 km
Inclination28.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to TDA 3?

TDA 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Sep 1967, 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 TDA 3 re-enter the atmosphere?

TDA 3 re-entered on 15 Sep 1967, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built TDA 3?

TDA 3 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.