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HEXAGON SV-8

Re-entered 28 Jul 1974

HEXAGON SV-8 (NORAD 7242, COSPAR 1974-020A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Jul 1974, launched on 10 Apr 1974 on the HEXAGON SV-8 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 7,088 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.

1974
launched
1974
re-entered
0
years on orbit
7,088
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched10 Apr 1974 · on the HEXAGON SV-8 mission
Operational28 Jul 1974 · entered service
Retired28 Jul 1974 · end of operational service
Re-entered28 Jul 1974 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID7242
COSPAR1974-020A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusKH-9
Mass7,088 kg (5,369 kg dry)
ProgrammeHex II
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)
Altitude151 × 272 km
Inclination94.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEXAGON SV-8?

HEXAGON SV-8 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Jul 1974, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1974. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did HEXAGON SV-8 re-enter the atmosphere?

HEXAGON SV-8 re-entered on 28 Jul 1974, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEXAGON SV-8?

HEXAGON SV-8 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

Launched together

P-11 No. 4428Re-entered 1980
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.