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AD-C

Re-entered 22 Jun 1981

AD-C (NORAD 3337, COSPAR 1968-066A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Jun 1981, launched on 8 Aug 1968 on the AD-C mission. It was operated by LARCN as part of the Explorer AD programme. The spacecraft was built by SCHJ on the 12' Sphere bus, with a mass of 16 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
1981
re-entered
13
years on orbit
16
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched8 Aug 1968 · on the AD-C mission
Operational1 Jun 1971 · entered service
Retired1 Jun 1971 · end of operational service
Re-entered22 Jun 1981 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3337
COSPAR1968-066A
TypeSatellite
OperatorLARCN
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSCHJ
Bus12' Sphere
Mass16 kg
ProgrammeExplorer AD
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude684 × 2,514 km
Inclination80.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to AD-C?

AD-C re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Jun 1981, 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 AD-C re-enter the atmosphere?

AD-C re-entered on 22 Jun 1981, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built AD-C?

AD-C was operated by LARCN and built by SCHJ (US).

Launched together

Injun 5NORAD 3338
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.