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HEXAGON SV-6

Re-entered 12 Oct 1973

HEXAGON SV-6 (NORAD 6727, COSPAR 1973-046A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Oct 1973, launched on 13 Jul 1973 on the HEXAGON SV-6 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 6,582 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
6,582
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched13 Jul 1973 · on the HEXAGON SV-6 mission
Operational12 Oct 1973 · entered service
Retired12 Oct 1973 · end of operational service
Re-entered12 Oct 1973 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6727
COSPAR1973-046A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-9
Mass6,582 kg (5,676 kg dry)
ProgrammeHex I
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude155 × 273 km
Inclination96.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEXAGON SV-6?

HEXAGON SV-6 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Oct 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 HEXAGON SV-6 re-enter the atmosphere?

HEXAGON SV-6 re-entered on 12 Oct 1973, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEXAGON SV-6?

HEXAGON SV-6 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.