GAMBIT-3 FM-25

Re-entered 1 Feb 1970

GAMBIT-3 FM-25 (NORAD 4296, COSPAR 1970-002A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Feb 1970, launched on 14 Jan 1970 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4325 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the KH8B programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the KH-8 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.

1970

launched

1970

re-entered

years on orbit

2,400

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Jan 1970 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4325 mission

Operational1 Feb 1970 · entered service

Retired1 Feb 1970 · end of operational service

Re-entered1 Feb 1970 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4296

COSPAR1970-002A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / SAFSP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC

BusKH-8

Mass2,400 kg

ProgrammeKH8B

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/R)

Altitude126 × 375 km

Inclination109.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-25?

GAMBIT-3 FM-25 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Feb 1970, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1970. 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-25 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-25 re-entered on 1 Feb 1970, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-25?

GAMBIT-3 FM-25 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 4325 → What is space debris? →