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NASA A-12

Re-entered 7 Jun 1969

NASA A-12 (NORAD 740, COSPAR 1964-004A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Jun 1969, launched on 25 Jan 1964 on the Echo C mission. It was operated by LARCN as part of the Echo programme. The spacecraft was built by SCHJ on the Echo 135' bus, with a mass of 278 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.

1964
launched
1969
re-entered
5
years on orbit
278
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched25 Jan 1964 · on the Echo C mission
Operational1 Jan 1964 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1964 · end of operational service
Re-entered7 Jun 1969 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID740
COSPAR1964-004A
TypeSatellite
OperatorLARCN
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerSCHJ
BusEcho 135'
Mass278 kg (256 kg dry)
ProgrammeEcho
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude1,008 × 1,338 km
Inclination81.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to NASA A-12?

NASA A-12 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Jun 1969, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1964. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did NASA A-12 re-enter the atmosphere?

NASA A-12 re-entered on 7 Jun 1969, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built NASA A-12?

NASA A-12 was operated by LARCN and built by SCHJ (US).

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