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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

GAMBIT-3 FM-37

Re-entered 23 Jan 1973

GAMBIT-3 FM-37 (NORAD 6321, COSPAR 1972-103A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Jan 1973, launched on 21 Dec 1972 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4337 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the KH8D programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the KH-8 bus, with a mass of 2,400 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
2,400
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Dec 1972 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4337 mission
Operational23 Jan 1973 · entered service
Retired23 Jan 1973 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Jan 1973 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6321
COSPAR1972-103A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-8
Mass2,400 kg
ProgrammeKH8D
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/R)
Altitude135 × 390 km
Inclination110.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-37?

GAMBIT-3 FM-37 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 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 GAMBIT-3 FM-37 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-37 re-entered on 23 Jan 1973, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-37?

GAMBIT-3 FM-37 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.