LANYARD 3

Re-entered 12 Aug 1963

LANYARD 3 (NORAD 626, COSPAR 1963-032A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Aug 1963, launched on 31 Jul 1963 on the LANYARD 3 mission. It was operated by NRO / CIA as part of the LANYARD programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the CORONA LANYARD bus, with a mass of 472 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

years on orbit

472

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched31 Jul 1963 · on the LANYARD 3 mission

Operational2 Aug 1963 · entered service

Retired2 Aug 1963 · end of operational service

Re-entered12 Aug 1963 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID626

COSPAR1963-032A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / CIA

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC

BusCORONA LANYARD

Mass472 kg

ProgrammeLANYARD

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude168 × 467 km

Inclination74.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to LANYARD 3?

LANYARD 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Aug 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 LANYARD 3 re-enter the atmosphere?

LANYARD 3 re-entered on 12 Aug 1963, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built LANYARD 3?

LANYARD 3 was operated by NRO / CIA and built by LMSC (US).

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

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