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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

TDA 7A

Re-entered 23 Dec 1966

TDA 7A (NORAD 2565, COSPAR 1966-103A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Dec 1966, launched on 11 Nov 1966 on the TDA 7A mission. It was operated by MSC as part of the TDA programme. The spacecraft was built by MCDA on the TDA bus, with a mass of 527 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
0
years on orbit
527
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Nov 1966 · on the TDA 7A mission
Operational15 Nov 1966 · entered service
Retired15 Nov 1966 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Dec 1966 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2565
COSPAR1966-103A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMCDA
BusTDA
Mass527 kg
ProgrammeTDA
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude251 × 290 km
Inclination28.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to TDA 7A?

TDA 7A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Dec 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 TDA 7A re-enter the atmosphere?

TDA 7A re-entered on 23 Dec 1966, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built TDA 7A?

TDA 7A was operated by MSC and built by MCDA (US).

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