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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Gemini SC9

Re-entered 6 Jun 1966

Gemini SC9 (NORAD 2191, COSPAR 1966-047A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Jun 1966, launched on 3 Jun 1966 on the Gemini SC9 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 2,210 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
2,210
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Jun 1966 · on the Gemini SC9 mission
Operational6 Jun 1966 · entered service
Retired6 Jun 1966 · end of operational service
Re-entered6 Jun 1966 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2191
COSPAR1966-047A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMCDA
BusGemini
Mass2,210 kg
ProgrammeGemini
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude272 × 274 km
Inclination28.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Gemini SC9?

Gemini SC9 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Jun 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 SC9 re-enter the atmosphere?

Gemini SC9 re-entered on 6 Jun 1966, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Gemini SC9?

Gemini SC9 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.