HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesINTELSAT III F-7
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

INTELSAT III F-7

Re-entered 18 Jul 2001

INTELSAT III F-7 (NORAD 4376, COSPAR 1970-032A) was a I-INT satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 2001, launched on 23 Apr 1970 on the INTELSAT III F-7 mission. It was operated by INTEL as part of the Int3 programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the INTELSAT 3 bus, with a mass of 135 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
2001
re-entered
31
years on orbit
135
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched23 Apr 1970 · on the INTELSAT III F-7 mission
Operational1 May 1972 · entered service
Retired1 May 1972 · end of operational service
Re-entered18 Jul 2001 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4376
COSPAR1970-032A
TypeSatellite
OperatorINTEL
Country / StateI-INT
ManufacturerTRW
BusINTELSAT 3
Mass135 kg (113 kg dry)
ProgrammeInt3
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,771 × 35,807 km
Inclination0.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to INTELSAT III F-7?

INTELSAT III F-7 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 2001, 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 INTELSAT III F-7 re-enter the atmosphere?

INTELSAT III F-7 re-entered on 18 Jul 2001, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built INTELSAT III F-7?

INTELSAT III F-7 was operated by INTEL and built by TRW (I-INT).

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