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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

OV4-3

Re-entered 9 Jan 1967

OV4-3 (NORAD 2524, COSPAR 1966-099A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Jan 1967, launched on 3 Nov 1966 on the OV4-3 mission. It was operated by AFSSD / NRO as part of the OV4 programme. The spacecraft was built by MM on the MOL bus, with a mass of 6,627 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
1967
re-entered
1
year on orbit
6,627
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Nov 1966 · on the OV4-3 mission
Operational6 Dec 1966 · entered service
Retired6 Dec 1966 · end of operational service
Re-entered9 Jan 1967 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2524
COSPAR1966-099A
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFSSD / NRO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMM
BusMOL
Mass6,627 kg
ProgrammeOV4
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude277 × 280 km
Inclination32.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OV4-3?

OV4-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Jan 1967, 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 OV4-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

OV4-3 re-entered on 9 Jan 1967, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OV4-3?

OV4-3 was operated by AFSSD / NRO and built by MM (US).

Launched together

OV4-1RRe-entered 1967OV1-6SRe-entered 1966OV4-1TRe-entered 1967
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.