GAMBIT-3 FM-44

Re-entered 5 Jun 1975

GAMBIT-3 FM-44 (NORAD 7747, COSPAR 1975-032A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Jun 1975, launched on 18 Apr 1975 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4344 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the KH8D programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the KH-8 bus, with a mass of 2,400 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.

1975

launched

1975

re-entered

years on orbit

2,400

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Apr 1975 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4344 mission

Operational5 Jun 1975 · entered service

Retired5 Jun 1975 · end of operational service

Re-entered5 Jun 1975 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID7747

COSPAR1975-032A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / SAFSP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC

BusKH-8

Mass2,400 kg

ProgrammeKH8D

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/R)

Altitude125 × 400 km

Inclination110.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-44?

GAMBIT-3 FM-44 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Jun 1975, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1975. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did GAMBIT-3 FM-44 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-44 re-entered on 5 Jun 1975, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-44?

GAMBIT-3 FM-44 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.

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: GAMBIT-3 Mission 4344 → What is space debris? →