HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesGAMBIT SV 951
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

GAMBIT SV 951

Re-entered 18 Jul 1963

GAMBIT SV 951 (NORAD 618, COSPAR 1963-028A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 1963, launched on 12 Jul 1963 on the GAMBIT SV 951 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the AFP-206 programme. The spacecraft was built by GEVF on the AFP-206 OCV bus, with a mass of 2,000 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
1963
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,000
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched12 Jul 1963 · on the GAMBIT SV 951 mission
Operational13 Jul 1963 · entered service
Retired13 Jul 1963 · end of operational service
Re-entered18 Jul 1963 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID618
COSPAR1963-028A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGEVF
BusAFP-206 OCV
Mass2,000 kg
ProgrammeAFP-206
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude185 × 189 km
Inclination95.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT SV 951?

GAMBIT SV 951 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 1963, 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 GAMBIT SV 951 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT SV 951 re-entered on 18 Jul 1963, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT SV 951?

GAMBIT SV 951 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by GEVF (US).

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