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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

HTV 3

Re-entered 27 Jul 2012

HTV 3 (NORAD 38706, COSPAR 2012-038A) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Jul 2012, launched on 21 Jul 2012 on the HTV 3 mission. It was operated by JAXA as part of the HTV programme. The spacecraft was built by MHITO? on the HTV bus, with a mass of 15,400 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.

2012
launched
2012
re-entered
0
years on orbit
15,400
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Jul 2012 · on the HTV 3 mission
Operational14 Sep 2012 · entered service
Retired14 Sep 2012 · end of operational service
Re-entered27 Jul 2012 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID38706
COSPAR2012-038A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJAXA
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerMHITO?
BusHTV
Mass15,400 kg (8,700 kg dry)
ProgrammeHTV
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude233 × 300 km
Inclination51.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HTV 3?

HTV 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 27 Jul 2012, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2012. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did HTV 3 re-enter the atmosphere?

HTV 3 re-entered on 27 Jul 2012, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HTV 3?

HTV 3 was operated by JAXA and built by MHITO? (J).

Launched together

RAIKORe-entered 2013FITSAT-1Re-entered 2013TES-1Re-entered 2013F-1Re-entered 2013WE WISHRe-entered 2013
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.