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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Mariner 69-2

Re-entered 1 Apr 1969

Mariner 69-2 (NORAD 3837, COSPAR 1969-030A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Apr 1969, launched on 27 Mar 1969 on the Mariner 69-2 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 383 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
383
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched27 Mar 1969 · on the Mariner 69-2 mission
Operational25 May 1970 · entered service
Retired25 May 1970 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Apr 1969 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3837
COSPAR1969-030A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerJPL
BusMariner
Mass383 kg (373 kg dry)
ProgrammeMariner
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude506 × -60,540 km
Inclination31.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mariner 69-2?

Mariner 69-2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Apr 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 69-2 re-enter the atmosphere?

Mariner 69-2 re-entered on 1 Apr 1969, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mariner 69-2?

Mariner 69-2 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.