GAMBIT-3 FM-21

Re-entered 30 Apr 1969

GAMBIT-3 FM-21 (NORAD 3895, COSPAR 1969-039A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 Apr 1969, launched on 15 Apr 1969 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4321 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the KH8A programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the KH-8 bus, with a mass of 2,250 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

years on orbit

2,250

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Apr 1969 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4321 mission

Operational30 Apr 1969 · entered service

Retired30 Apr 1969 · end of operational service

Re-entered30 Apr 1969 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3895

COSPAR1969-039A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / SAFSP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC

BusKH-8

Mass2,250 kg

ProgrammeKH8A

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/R)

Altitude131 × 396 km

Inclination108.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-21?

GAMBIT-3 FM-21 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 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 GAMBIT-3 FM-21 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-21 re-entered on 30 Apr 1969, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-21?

GAMBIT-3 FM-21 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

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

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: GAMBIT-3 Mission 4321 → What is space debris? →