GAMBIT-3 FM-2

Re-entered 7 Oct 1966

GAMBIT-3 FM-2 (NORAD 2433, COSPAR 1966-086A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Oct 1966, launched on 28 Sep 1966 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4302 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the KH8A programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the KH-8 bus, with a mass of 2,250 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

years on orbit

2,250

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched28 Sep 1966 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4302 mission

Operational7 Oct 1966 · entered service

Retired7 Oct 1966 · end of operational service

Re-entered7 Oct 1966 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2433

COSPAR1966-086A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / SAFSP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC

BusKH-8

Mass2,250 kg

ProgrammeKH8A

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)

Altitude151 × 296 km

Inclination94.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-2?

GAMBIT-3 FM-2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Oct 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 GAMBIT-3 FM-2 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-2 re-entered on 7 Oct 1966, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-2?

GAMBIT-3 FM-2 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: GAMBIT-3 Mission 4302 → What is space debris? →