OV3-6

Re-entered 9 Mar 1969

OV3-6 (NORAD 3057, COSPAR 1967-120A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Mar 1969, launched on 5 Dec 1967 on the OV3-6 mission. It was operated by OAR as part of the OV3 programme. The spacecraft was built by SPG on the OV3 bus, with a mass of 99 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

years on orbit

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 Dec 1967 · on the OV3-6 mission

Operational9 Mar 1969 · entered service

Retired9 Mar 1969 · end of operational service

Re-entered9 Mar 1969 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3057

COSPAR1967-120A

TypeSatellite

OperatorOAR

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerSPG

BusOV3

Mass99 kg

ProgrammeOV3

CategorySCI

OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)

Altitude403 × 434 km

Inclination90.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OV3-6?

OV3-6 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Mar 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 OV3-6 re-enter the atmosphere?

OV3-6 re-entered on 9 Mar 1969, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OV3-6?

OV3-6 was operated by OAR and built by SPG (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: OV3-6 → What is space debris? →