Ranger 3
Re-entered 28 Jan 1962Ranger 3 (NORAD 221, COSPAR 1962 ALP 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Jan 1962, launched on 26 Jan 1962 on the NASA P-34 mission. It is catalogued as NASA P-34. It was operated by JPL as part of the Ranger II programme. The spacecraft was built by JPL on the Ranger Block II bus, with a mass of 188 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Ranger 3?
Ranger 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Jan 1962, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1962. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did Ranger 3 re-enter the atmosphere?
Ranger 3 re-entered on 28 Jan 1962, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Ranger 3?
Ranger 3 was operated by JPL and built by JPL (US).