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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

CORONA C'-3

Re-entered 2 Apr 1961

CORONA C'-3 (NORAD 67, COSPAR 1960 SIG) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Apr 1961, launched on 7 Dec 1960. It was operated by AFBMD / CIA as part of the CORONA Early programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSD on the CORONA bus, with a mass of 130 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.

1960
launched
1961
re-entered
1
year on orbit
130
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched7 Dec 1960
Operational10 Dec 1960 · entered service
Retired10 Dec 1960 · end of operational service
Re-entered2 Apr 1961 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID67
COSPAR1960 SIG
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFBMD / CIA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSD
BusCORONA
Mass130 kg
ProgrammeCORONA Early
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude272 × 536 km
Inclination81.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to CORONA C'-3?

CORONA C'-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Apr 1961, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1960. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did CORONA C'-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

CORONA C'-3 re-entered on 2 Apr 1961, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built CORONA C'-3?

CORONA C'-3 was operated by AFBMD / CIA and built by LMSD (US).

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