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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

LTA-2R

Re-entered 3 Sep 1968

LTA-2R (NORAD 3187, COSPAR 1968-025E) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Sep 1968, launched on 4 Apr 1968 on the Apollo CM-020 mission. It was operated by MSC as part of the LTA programme. The spacecraft was built by GRUM on the LTA bus, with a mass of 11,794 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
11,794
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Apr 1968 · on the Apollo CM-020 mission
Operational4 Apr 1968 · entered service
Retired4 Apr 1968 · end of operational service
Re-entered3 Sep 1968 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3187
COSPAR1968-025E
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGRUM
BusLTA
Mass11,794 kg
ProgrammeLTA
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude236 × 359 km
Inclination32.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to LTA-2R?

LTA-2R re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Sep 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 LTA-2R re-enter the atmosphere?

LTA-2R re-entered on 3 Sep 1968, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built LTA-2R?

LTA-2R was operated by MSC and built by GRUM (US).

Launched together

Apollo SC020Re-entered 1968
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.