GAMBIT-3 FM-17

Re-entered 20 Nov 1968

GAMBIT-3 FM-17 (NORAD 3532, COSPAR 1968-099A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Nov 1968, launched on 6 Nov 1968 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4317 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 Nov 1968 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4317 mission

Operational20 Nov 1968 · entered service

Retired20 Nov 1968 · end of operational service

Re-entered20 Nov 1968 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3532

COSPAR1968-099A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / SAFSP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC

BusKH-8

Mass2,250 kg

ProgrammeKH8A

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/R)

Altitude126 × 382 km

Inclination106.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-17?

GAMBIT-3 FM-17 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 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 GAMBIT-3 FM-17 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-17 re-entered on 20 Nov 1968, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-17?

GAMBIT-3 FM-17 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 4317 → What is space debris? →