INTELSAT IV F3

Re-entered 18 Jul 2001

INTELSAT IV F3 (NORAD 5709, COSPAR 1971-116A) was a I-INT satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 2001, launched on 20 Dec 1971 on the INTELSAT IV F3 mission. It was operated by INTEL as part of the Int4 programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-312 bus, with a mass of 666 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

2001

re-entered

years on orbit

666

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Dec 1971 · on the INTELSAT IV F3 mission

Operational23 Feb 1984 · entered service

Retired23 Feb 1984 · end of operational service

Re-entered18 Jul 2001 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID5709

COSPAR1971-116A

TypeSatellite

OperatorINTEL

Country / StateI-INT

ManufacturerHSES

BusHS-312

Mass666 kg (531 kg dry)

ProgrammeInt4

CategoryCOM

OrbitGEO (GEO/S)

Altitude35,779 × 35,797 km

Inclination0.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to INTELSAT IV F3?

INTELSAT IV F3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 2001, 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 INTELSAT IV F3 re-enter the atmosphere?

INTELSAT IV F3 re-entered on 18 Jul 2001, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built INTELSAT IV F3?

INTELSAT IV F3 was operated by INTEL and built by HSES (I-INT).

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

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