MULTIGROUP 1

Re-entered 5 Apr 1969

MULTIGROUP 1 (NORAD 2634, COSPAR 1966-118A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Apr 1969, launched on 29 Dec 1966 on the MULTIGROUP 1 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the MULTIGROUP programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC/CHAIL on the MULTIGROUP bus, with a mass of 600 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

1969

re-entered

years on orbit

600

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched29 Dec 1966 · on the MULTIGROUP 1 mission

Operational17 Jun 1967 · entered service

Retired19 Jun 1967 · end of operational service

Re-entered5 Apr 1969 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2634

COSPAR1966-118A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / SAFSP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC/CHAIL

BusMULTIGROUP

Mass600 kg

ProgrammeMULTIGROUP

CategorySIG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude484 × 492 km

Inclination75.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to MULTIGROUP 1?

MULTIGROUP 1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Apr 1969, 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 MULTIGROUP 1 re-enter the atmosphere?

MULTIGROUP 1 re-entered on 5 Apr 1969, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built MULTIGROUP 1?

MULTIGROUP 1 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC/CHAIL (US).

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

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: MULTIGROUP 1 → What is space debris? →