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NASA S-3A

Re-entered 1 Jan 1965

NASA S-3A (NORAD 432, COSPAR 1962 B GAM 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 1965, launched on 2 Oct 1962. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer EPE programme. The spacecraft was built by RAYM on the EPE bus, with a mass of 40 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.

1962
launched
1965
re-entered
3
years on orbit
40
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched2 Oct 1962
Operational11 Aug 1963 · entered service
Retired11 Aug 1963 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Jan 1965 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID432
COSPAR1962 B GAM 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRAYM
BusEPE
Mass40 kg
ProgrammeExplorer EPE
CategorySCI
Orbit (VHEO)
Altitude915 × 96,959 km
Inclination33.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to NASA S-3A?

NASA S-3A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Jan 1965, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1962. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did NASA S-3A re-enter the atmosphere?

NASA S-3A re-entered on 1 Jan 1965, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built NASA S-3A?

NASA S-3A was operated by GSFC and built by RAYM (US).

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