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HEXAGON SV-7

Re-entered 13 Mar 1974

HEXAGON SV-7 (NORAD 6928, COSPAR 1973-088A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Mar 1974, launched on 10 Nov 1973 on the HEXAGON SV-7 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the Hex II programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the KH-9 bus, with a mass of 7,624 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
1974
re-entered
1
year on orbit
7,624
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched10 Nov 1973 · on the HEXAGON SV-7 mission
Operational13 Mar 1974 · entered service
Retired13 Mar 1974 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Mar 1974 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6928
COSPAR1973-088A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-9
Mass7,624 kg (6,099 kg dry)
ProgrammeHex II
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude160 × 263 km
Inclination96.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEXAGON SV-7?

HEXAGON SV-7 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Mar 1974, 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-7 re-enter the atmosphere?

HEXAGON SV-7 re-entered on 13 Mar 1974, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEXAGON SV-7?

HEXAGON SV-7 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

Launched together

P-11 No. 4426Re-entered 1978
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.