HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesProject 698BK Group 1-A
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Project 698BK Group 1-A

Re-entered 19 Feb 1969

Project 698BK Group 1-A (NORAD 759, COSPAR 1964-011A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Feb 1969, launched on 28 Feb 1964 on the Ferret 5 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the SAMOS F-2 programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC/CHAIL on the SAMOS F-2 bus, with a mass of 551 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
551
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched28 Feb 1964 · on the Ferret 5 mission
Operational11 Mar 1964 · entered service
Retired11 Mar 1964 · end of operational service
Re-entered19 Feb 1969 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID759
COSPAR1964-011A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC/CHAIL
BusSAMOS F-2
Mass551 kg
ProgrammeSAMOS F-2
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude493 × 509 km
Inclination82.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Project 698BK Group 1-A?

Project 698BK Group 1-A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Feb 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 Project 698BK Group 1-A re-enter the atmosphere?

Project 698BK Group 1-A re-entered on 19 Feb 1969, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Project 698BK Group 1-A?

Project 698BK Group 1-A was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC/CHAIL (US).

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