Surveyor SM-3
Re-entered 27 Oct 1966Surveyor SM-3 (NORAD 2512, COSPAR 1966-095A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Oct 1966, launched on 26 Oct 1966 on the Surveyor SM-3 mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the Surveyor Model programme. The spacecraft was built by JPL on the Surveyor Model bus, with a mass of 726 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 Surveyor SM-3?
Surveyor SM-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 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 Surveyor SM-3 re-enter the atmosphere?
Surveyor SM-3 re-entered on 27 Oct 1966, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Surveyor SM-3?
Surveyor SM-3 was operated by JPL and built by JPL (US).