HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesProject 698BK Group 1-D
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Project 698BK Group 1-D

Re-entered 26 Oct 1969

Project 698BK Group 1-D (NORAD 613, COSPAR 1963-027A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Oct 1969, launched on 29 Jun 1963 on the Ferret 4 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the SAMOS F-2 programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC/CHAIL on the SAMOS F-2 bus, with a mass of 439 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.

1963
launched
1969
re-entered
6
years on orbit
439
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched29 Jun 1963 · on the Ferret 4 mission
Operational9 Jul 1963 · entered service
Retired9 Jul 1963 · end of operational service
Re-entered26 Oct 1969 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID613
COSPAR1963-027A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC/CHAIL
BusSAMOS F-2
Mass439 kg
ProgrammeSAMOS F-2
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude485 × 521 km
Inclination82.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Project 698BK Group 1-D?

Project 698BK Group 1-D re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 Oct 1969, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1963. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Project 698BK Group 1-D re-enter the atmosphere?

Project 698BK Group 1-D re-entered on 26 Oct 1969, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Project 698BK Group 1-D?

Project 698BK Group 1-D was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC/CHAIL (US).

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