GAMBIT-3 FM-15

Re-entered 16 Aug 1968

GAMBIT-3 FM-15 (NORAD 3335, COSPAR 1968-064A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Aug 1968, launched on 6 Aug 1968 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4315 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the KH8A programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the KH-8 bus, with a mass of 2,250 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

2,250

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched6 Aug 1968 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4315 mission

Operational16 Aug 1968 · entered service

Retired16 Aug 1968 · end of operational service

Re-entered16 Aug 1968 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3335

COSPAR1968-064A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / SAFSP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC

BusKH-8

Mass2,250 kg

ProgrammeKH8A

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/R)

Altitude143 × 392 km

Inclination110.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-15?

GAMBIT-3 FM-15 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Aug 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 GAMBIT-3 FM-15 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-15 re-entered on 16 Aug 1968, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-15?

GAMBIT-3 FM-15 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (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: GAMBIT-3 Mission 4315 → What is space debris? →