HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesDS-U2-I No. 3
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

DS-U2-I No. 3

Re-entered 5 May 1969

DS-U2-I No. 3 (NORAD 3612, COSPAR 1968-113A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 May 1969, launched on 14 Dec 1968 on the DS-U2-I No. 3 mission. It was operated by YUZH as part of the DS-U2-I programme. The spacecraft was built by YUZH on the DS-U2 bus, with a mass of 286 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
1969
re-entered
1
year on orbit
286
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Dec 1968 · on the DS-U2-I No. 3 mission
Operational5 May 1969 · entered service
Retired5 May 1969 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 May 1969 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3612
COSPAR1968-113A
TypeSatellite
OperatorYUZH
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerYUZH
BusDS-U2
Mass286 kg
ProgrammeDS-U2-I
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude212 × 1,210 km
Inclination48.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to DS-U2-I No. 3?

DS-U2-I No. 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 May 1969, 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 DS-U2-I No. 3 re-enter the atmosphere?

DS-U2-I No. 3 re-entered on 5 May 1969, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built DS-U2-I No. 3?

DS-U2-I No. 3 was operated by YUZH and built by YUZH (SU).

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