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ATS A

Re-entered 2 Sep 1969

ATS A (NORAD 2743, COSPAR 1967-031A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Sep 1969, launched on 6 Apr 1967 on the ATS A mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the ATS programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-306 bus, with a mass of 325 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.

1967
launched
1969
re-entered
2
years on orbit
325
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched6 Apr 1967 · on the ATS A mission
Operational23 Oct 1967 · entered service
Retired23 Oct 1967 · end of operational service
Re-entered2 Sep 1969 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID2743
COSPAR1967-031A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusHS-306
Mass325 kg
ProgrammeATS
CategoryCOM/MET
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude186 × 10,767 km
Inclination28.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to ATS A?

ATS A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Sep 1969, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1967. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did ATS A re-enter the atmosphere?

ATS A re-entered on 2 Sep 1969, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built ATS A?

ATS A was operated by GSFC and built by HSES (US).

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