GAMBIT-3 FM-26

Re-entered 6 May 1970

GAMBIT-3 FM-26 (NORAD 4375, COSPAR 1970-031A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 May 1970, launched on 15 Apr 1970 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4326 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

Launched15 Apr 1970 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4326 mission

Operational6 May 1970 · entered service

Retired6 May 1970 · end of operational service

Re-entered6 May 1970 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4375

COSPAR1970-031A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / SAFSP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC

BusKH-8

Mass2,400 kg

ProgrammeKH8B

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/R)

Altitude128 × 370 km

Inclination111.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-26?

GAMBIT-3 FM-26 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 May 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-26 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-26 re-entered on 6 May 1970, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-26?

GAMBIT-3 FM-26 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 4326 → What is space debris? →