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NASA S-3B

Re-entered 15 Jan 1978

NASA S-3B (NORAD 445, COSPAR 1962 B LAM 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Jan 1978, launched on 27 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 44 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
1978
re-entered
16
years on orbit
44
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched27 Oct 1962
Operational9 Feb 1963 · entered service
Retired9 Feb 1963 · end of operational service
Re-entered15 Jan 1978 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID445
COSPAR1962 B LAM 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRAYM
BusEPE
Mass44 kg
ProgrammeExplorer EPE
CategorySCI
OrbitHEO (HEO)
Altitude312 × 17,619 km
Inclination18.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to NASA S-3B?

NASA S-3B re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Jan 1978, 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-3B re-enter the atmosphere?

NASA S-3B re-entered on 15 Jan 1978, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built NASA S-3B?

NASA S-3B 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.