E-6 RV

Re-entered 27 Jul 1962

E-6 RV (NORAD 343, COSPAR 1962 A ZET 2) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Jul 1962, launched on 18 Jul 1962. It was operated by SAFSP as part of the SAMOS E-6 RV programme. The spacecraft was built by GERSD on the E-6 RV bus, with a mass of 600 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.

1962

launched

1962

re-entered

years on orbit

600

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Jul 1962

Operational19 Jul 1962 · entered service

Retired19 Jul 1962 · end of operational service

Re-entered27 Jul 1962 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID343

COSPAR1962 A ZET 2

TypeSatellite

OperatorSAFSP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerGERSD

BusE-6 RV

Mass600 kg

ProgrammeSAMOS E-6 RV

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)

Altitude184 × 234 km

Inclination96.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to E-6 RV?

E-6 RV re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Jul 1962, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1962. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did E-6 RV re-enter the atmosphere?

E-6 RV re-entered on 27 Jul 1962, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built E-6 RV?

E-6 RV was operated by SAFSP and built by GERSD (US).

Launched together

SAMOS E-6 No. 3Re-entered 1962

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

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