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HEXAGON SV-3

Re-entered 13 Sep 1972

HEXAGON SV-3 (NORAD 6094, COSPAR 1972-052A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Sep 1972, launched on 7 Jul 1972 on the HEXAGON SV-3 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 6,465 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.

1972
launched
1972
re-entered
0
years on orbit
6,465
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched7 Jul 1972 · on the HEXAGON SV-3 mission
Operational13 Sep 1972 · entered service
Retired13 Sep 1972 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Sep 1972 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6094
COSPAR1972-052A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-9
Mass6,465 kg (5,545 kg dry)
ProgrammeHex I
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude175 × 252 km
Inclination96.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEXAGON SV-3?

HEXAGON SV-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Sep 1972, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1972. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did HEXAGON SV-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

HEXAGON SV-3 re-entered on 13 Sep 1972, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEXAGON SV-3?

HEXAGON SV-3 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

Launched together

P-11 No. 4425Re-entered 1978
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.