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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Apollo CM-103

Re-entered 23 Dec 1968

Apollo CM-103 (NORAD 3626, COSPAR 1968-118A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Dec 1968, launched on 21 Dec 1968 on the Apollo CM-103 mission. It was operated by MSC as part of the Apollo II programme. The spacecraft was built by NAAD on the CM bus, with a mass of 5,524 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
0
years on orbit
5,524
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Dec 1968 · on the Apollo CM-103 mission
Operational27 Dec 1968 · entered service
Retired27 Dec 1968 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Dec 1968 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3626
COSPAR1968-118A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNAAD
BusCM
Mass5,524 kg
ProgrammeApollo II
CategorySS
OrbitBEO (CLO)
Altitude214 × 544,356 km
Inclination30.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Apollo CM-103?

Apollo CM-103 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Dec 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 Apollo CM-103 re-enter the atmosphere?

Apollo CM-103 re-entered on 23 Dec 1968, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Apollo CM-103?

Apollo CM-103 was operated by MSC and built by NAAD (US).

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