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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

S3-2

Re-entered 1 May 1978

S3-2 (NORAD 8468, COSPAR 1975-114B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 May 1978, launched on 4 Dec 1975 on the HEXAGON SV-11 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the STP1 programme. The spacecraft was built by BOKT on the S3 bus, with a mass of 218 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
1978
re-entered
3
years on orbit
218
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Dec 1975 · on the HEXAGON SV-11 mission
Operational1 May 1978 · entered service
Retired1 May 1978 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 May 1978 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID8468
COSPAR1975-114B
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerBOKT
BusS3
Mass218 kg
ProgrammeSTP1
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude233 × 1,544 km
Inclination96.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to S3-2?

S3-2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 May 1978, 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 S3-2 re-enter the atmosphere?

S3-2 re-entered on 1 May 1978, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built S3-2?

S3-2 was operated by SAMSO and built by BOKT (US).

Launched together

HEXAGON SV-11Re-entered 1976
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.