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OSO F

Re-entered 2 Apr 1984

OSO F (NORAD 3663, COSPAR 1969-006A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Apr 1984, launched on 22 Jan 1969 on the OSO F mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the OSO programme. The spacecraft was built by BALL on the OSO bus, with a mass of 293 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.

1969
launched
1984
re-entered
15
years on orbit
293
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched22 Jan 1969 · on the OSO F mission
Operational25 Aug 1975 · entered service
Retired25 Aug 1975 · end of operational service
Re-entered2 Apr 1984 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3663
COSPAR1969-006A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerBALL
BusOSO
Mass293 kg
ProgrammeOSO
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude539 × 563 km
Inclination33.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OSO F?

OSO F re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Apr 1984, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1969. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did OSO F re-enter the atmosphere?

OSO F re-entered on 2 Apr 1984, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OSO F?

OSO F was operated by GSFC and built by BALL (US).

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