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OSO G

Re-entered 7 Mar 1981

OSO G (NORAD 4065, COSPAR 1969-068A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Mar 1981, launched on 9 Aug 1969 on the OSO G 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 290 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
1981
re-entered
12
years on orbit
290
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched9 Aug 1969 · on the OSO G mission
Operational1 Jan 1972 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1972 · end of operational service
Re-entered7 Mar 1981 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4065
COSPAR1969-068A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerBALL
BusOSO
Mass290 kg
ProgrammeOSO
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude490 × 556 km
Inclination33.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OSO G?

OSO G re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Mar 1981, 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 G re-enter the atmosphere?

OSO G re-entered on 7 Mar 1981, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built OSO G?

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

Launched together

PACRe-entered 1977
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.