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HEXAGON SV-1

Re-entered 6 Aug 1971

HEXAGON SV-1 (NORAD 5297, COSPAR 1971-056A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Aug 1971, launched on 15 Jun 1971 on the HEXAGON SV-1 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the Hex I programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the KH-9 bus, with a mass of 6,737 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.

1971
launched
1971
re-entered
0
years on orbit
6,737
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Jun 1971 · on the HEXAGON SV-1 mission
Operational6 Aug 1971 · entered service
Retired6 Aug 1971 · end of operational service
Re-entered6 Aug 1971 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID5297
COSPAR1971-056A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-9
Mass6,737 kg (5,493 kg dry)
ProgrammeHex I
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude178 × 285 km
Inclination96.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEXAGON SV-1?

HEXAGON SV-1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Aug 1971, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1971. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did HEXAGON SV-1 re-enter the atmosphere?

HEXAGON SV-1 re-entered on 6 Aug 1971, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEXAGON SV-1?

HEXAGON SV-1 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.