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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

OV4-1R

Re-entered 5 Jan 1967

OV4-1R (NORAD 2526, COSPAR 1966-099B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Jan 1967, launched on 3 Nov 1966 on the OV4-3 mission. It was operated by OAR / AFSSD as part of the OV4 programme. The spacecraft was built by RAYTH on the OV4 bus, with a mass of 140 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
140
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Nov 1966 · on the OV4-3 mission
Operational1 Dec 1966 · entered service
Retired1 Dec 1966 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 Jan 1967 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2526
COSPAR1966-099B
TypeSatellite
OperatorOAR / AFSSD
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRAYTH
BusOV4
Mass140 kg (136 kg dry)
ProgrammeOV4
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude272 × 272 km
Inclination32.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OV4-1R?

OV4-1R re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 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 OV4-1R re-enter the atmosphere?

OV4-1R re-entered on 5 Jan 1967, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OV4-1R?

OV4-1R was operated by OAR / AFSSD and built by RAYTH (US).

Launched together

OV4-3Re-entered 1967OV1-6SRe-entered 1966OV4-1TRe-entered 1967
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.