OV1-15S

Re-entered 6 Nov 1968

OV1-15S (NORAD 3318, COSPAR 1968-059A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Nov 1968, launched on 11 Jul 1968 on the OV1-15S mission. It was operated by OAR as part of the OV1 F programme. The spacecraft was built by GDC on the OV1 bus, with a mass of 214 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

years on orbit

214

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Jul 1968 · on the OV1-15S mission

Operational6 Nov 1968 · entered service

Retired6 Nov 1968 · end of operational service

Re-entered6 Nov 1968 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3318

COSPAR1968-059A

TypeSatellite

OperatorOAR

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerGDC

BusOV1

Mass214 kg

ProgrammeOV1 F

CategorySCI

OrbitLEO (LEO/P)

Altitude147 × 1,544 km

Inclination89.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OV1-15S?

OV1-15S re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 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 OV1-15S re-enter the atmosphere?

OV1-15S re-entered on 6 Nov 1968, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OV1-15S?

OV1-15S was operated by OAR and built by GDC (US).

Launched together

CannonballRe-entered 1968

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: OV1-15S → What is space debris? →