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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Injun 3

Re-entered 25 Aug 1968

Injun 3 (NORAD 504, COSPAR 1962 B TAU 2) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Aug 1968, launched on 13 Dec 1962. It was operated by NRL as part of the Injun programme. The spacecraft was built by SUI/NRL on the NRL 24" bus, with a mass of 52 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
1968
re-entered
6
years on orbit
52
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched13 Dec 1962
Operational20 Nov 1963 · entered service
Retired20 Nov 1963 · end of operational service
Re-entered25 Aug 1968 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID504
COSPAR1962 B TAU 2
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSUI/NRL
BusNRL 24"
Mass52 kg
ProgrammeInjun
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude231 × 2,774 km
Inclination70.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Injun 3?

Injun 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Aug 1968, 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 Injun 3 re-enter the atmosphere?

Injun 3 re-entered on 25 Aug 1968, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Injun 3?

Injun 3 was operated by NRL and built by SUI/NRL (US).

Launched together

POPPY 1 AlfaRe-entered 1967Calsphere 1Re-entered 1963SURCAL 2Re-entered 1966POPPY 1 BravoRe-entered 1967AFTRACK 27/Mission 7202Re-entered 1968
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.
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