HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesOGO E
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

OGO E

Re-entered 5 Mar 1968

OGO E (NORAD 3138, COSPAR 1968-014A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Mar 1968, launched on 4 Mar 1968 on the OGO E mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the EGO programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the OGO bus, with a mass of 611 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.

1968
launched
1968
re-entered
0
years on orbit
611
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Mar 1968 · on the OGO E mission
Operational14 Jul 1972 · entered service
Retired14 Jul 1972 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 Mar 1968 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3138
COSPAR1968-014A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusOGO
Mass611 kg
ProgrammeEGO
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (DSO)
Altitude271 × 148,186 km
Inclination31.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OGO E?

OGO E re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Mar 1968, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1968. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did OGO E re-enter the atmosphere?

OGO E re-entered on 5 Mar 1968, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OGO E?

OGO E was operated by GSFC and built by TRW (US).

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