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HEXAGON SV-4

Re-entered 8 Jan 1973

HEXAGON SV-4 (NORAD 6227, COSPAR 1972-079A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Jan 1973, launched on 10 Oct 1972 on the HEXAGON SV-4 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 6,087 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
1973
re-entered
1
year on orbit
6,087
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched10 Oct 1972 · on the HEXAGON SV-4 mission
Operational8 Jan 1973 · entered service
Retired8 Jan 1973 · end of operational service
Re-entered8 Jan 1973 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6227
COSPAR1972-079A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-9
Mass6,087 kg (4,822 kg dry)
ProgrammeHex I
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude160 × 270 km
Inclination96.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEXAGON SV-4?

HEXAGON SV-4 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Jan 1973, 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-4 re-enter the atmosphere?

HEXAGON SV-4 re-entered on 8 Jan 1973, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEXAGON SV-4?

HEXAGON SV-4 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

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