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DS-U3-S No. 2

Re-entered 2 Nov 1968

DS-U3-S No. 2 (NORAD 3308, COSPAR 1968-056A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Nov 1968, launched on 5 Jul 1968 on the DS-U3-S No. 2 mission. It was operated by YUZH as part of the DS-U3-S programme. The spacecraft was built by YUZH on the DS-U3 bus, with a mass of 285 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
285
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 Jul 1968 · on the DS-U3-S No. 2 mission
Operational2 Nov 1968 · entered service
Retired2 Nov 1968 · end of operational service
Re-entered2 Nov 1968 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3308
COSPAR1968-056A
TypeSatellite
OperatorYUZH
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerYUZH
BusDS-U3
Mass285 kg
ProgrammeDS-U3-S
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude278 × 518 km
Inclination48.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to DS-U3-S No. 2?

DS-U3-S No. 2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Nov 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 DS-U3-S No. 2 re-enter the atmosphere?

DS-U3-S No. 2 re-entered on 2 Nov 1968, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built DS-U3-S No. 2?

DS-U3-S No. 2 was operated by YUZH and built by YUZH (SU).

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