HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesGAMBIT-3 FM-23
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

GAMBIT-3 FM-23

Re-entered 7 Sep 1969

GAMBIT-3 FM-23 (NORAD 4078, COSPAR 1969-074A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Sep 1969, launched on 23 Aug 1969 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4323 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the KH8B programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the KH-8-II 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
0
years on orbit
2,250
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched23 Aug 1969 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4323 mission
Operational7 Sep 1969 · entered service
Retired7 Sep 1969 · end of operational service
Re-entered7 Sep 1969 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4078
COSPAR1969-074A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-8-II
Mass2,250 kg
ProgrammeKH8B
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/R)
Altitude132 × 368 km
Inclination108.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-23?

GAMBIT-3 FM-23 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Sep 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-23 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-23 re-entered on 7 Sep 1969, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-23?

GAMBIT-3 FM-23 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.