GAMBIT-3 FM-24

Re-entered 8 Nov 1969

GAMBIT-3 FM-24 (NORAD 4186, COSPAR 1969-095A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Nov 1969, launched on 24 Oct 1969 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4324 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 2,400 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.

1969

launched

1969

re-entered

years on orbit

2,400

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Oct 1969 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4324 mission

Operational8 Nov 1969 · entered service

Retired8 Nov 1969 · end of operational service

Re-entered8 Nov 1969 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4186

COSPAR1969-095A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / SAFSP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC

BusKH-8-II

Mass2,400 kg

ProgrammeKH8B

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/R)

Altitude124 × 579 km

Inclination108.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-24?

GAMBIT-3 FM-24 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Nov 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-24 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-24 re-entered on 8 Nov 1969, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-24?

GAMBIT-3 FM-24 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 4324 → What is space debris? →