HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesOV3-2
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

OV3-2

Re-entered 29 Sep 1971

OV3-2 (NORAD 2517, COSPAR 1966-097A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Sep 1971, launched on 28 Oct 1966 on the OV3-2 mission. It was operated by OAR as part of the OV3 programme. The spacecraft was built by SPG on the OV3 bus, with a mass of 82 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
1971
re-entered
5
years on orbit
82
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched28 Oct 1966 · on the OV3-2 mission
Operational1 Jan 1967 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1967 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 Sep 1971 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2517
COSPAR1966-097A
TypeSatellite
OperatorOAR
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSPG
BusOV3
Mass82 kg
ProgrammeOV3
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude316 × 1,589 km
Inclination82.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OV3-2?

OV3-2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Sep 1971, 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 OV3-2 re-enter the atmosphere?

OV3-2 re-entered on 29 Sep 1971, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OV3-2?

OV3-2 was operated by OAR and built by SPG (US).

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