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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Mariner 69-3

Re-entered 6 Mar 1969

Mariner 69-3 (NORAD 3759, COSPAR 1969-014A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Mar 1969, launched on 25 Feb 1969 on the Mariner 69-3 mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the Mariner programme. The spacecraft was built by JPL on the Mariner bus, with a mass of 385 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
1969
re-entered
0
years on orbit
385
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched25 Feb 1969 · on the Mariner 69-3 mission
Operational1 Dec 1970 · entered service
Retired1 Dec 1970 · end of operational service
Re-entered6 Mar 1969 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3759
COSPAR1969-014A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerJPL
BusMariner
Mass385 kg (375 kg dry)
ProgrammeMariner
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Inclination43.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mariner 69-3?

Mariner 69-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Mar 1969, 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 Mariner 69-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

Mariner 69-3 re-entered on 6 Mar 1969, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mariner 69-3?

Mariner 69-3 was operated by JPL and built by JPL (US).

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