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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

RAE B

Re-entered 11 Jun 1973

RAE B (NORAD 6686, COSPAR 1973-039A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Jun 1973, launched on 10 Jun 1973 on the RAE B mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer RAE programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC/FAIRH? on the RAE bus, with a mass of 200 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.

1973
launched
1973
re-entered
0
years on orbit
200
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched10 Jun 1973 · on the RAE B mission
Operational30 Apr 1977 · entered service
Retired30 Apr 1977 · end of operational service
Re-entered11 Jun 1973 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6686
COSPAR1973-039A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGSFC/FAIRH?
BusRAE
Mass200 kg
ProgrammeExplorer RAE
CategoryAST
OrbitBEO (CLO)
Altitude182 × 390,244 km
Inclination29.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to RAE B?

RAE B re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Jun 1973, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1973. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did RAE B re-enter the atmosphere?

RAE B re-entered on 11 Jun 1973, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built RAE B?

RAE B was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC/FAIRH? (US).

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