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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Gemini SC8

Re-entered 16 Mar 1966

Gemini SC8 (NORAD 2105, COSPAR 1966-020A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Mar 1966, launched on 16 Mar 1966 on the Gemini SC8 mission. It was operated by MSC as part of the Gemini programme. The spacecraft was built by MCDA on the Gemini bus, with a mass of 2,213 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
2,213
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Mar 1966 · on the Gemini SC8 mission
Operational17 Mar 1966 · entered service
Retired17 Mar 1966 · end of operational service
Re-entered16 Mar 1966 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2105
COSPAR1966-020A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMCDA
BusGemini
Mass2,213 kg
ProgrammeGemini
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude261 × 270 km
Inclination28.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Gemini SC8?

Gemini SC8 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Mar 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 Gemini SC8 re-enter the atmosphere?

Gemini SC8 re-entered on 16 Mar 1966, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Gemini SC8?

Gemini SC8 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.