🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
X-3
Historical recordX-3 (NORAD 5580, COSPAR 1971-093A) is a historical UK catalogue entry no longer tracked in the live catalogue, launched on 28 Oct 1971 on the X-3 mission. It was operated by RAE as part of the UKX programme. The spacecraft was built by BAC on the X-3 bus, with a mass of 66 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1971
launched
55
years on orbit
66
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched28 Oct 1971 · on the X-3 mission
Operational1 Jan 1989 · entered service
Specifications
NORAD ID5580
COSPAR1971-093A
TypeSatellite
OperatorRAE
Country / StateUK
ManufacturerBAC
BusX-3
Mass66 kg
ProgrammeUKX
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude545 × 1,580 km
Inclination82.1°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to X-3?
X-3 is a historical catalogue entry from a 1971 launch. It is not currently tracked in the live catalogue — typically meaning it has decayed, been retired, or its tracking elements have lapsed.
Who operated and built X-3?
X-3 was operated by RAE and built by BAC (UK).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.