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DMSP Block 5C F-3

Re-entered 19 Feb 1976

DMSP Block 5C F-3 (NORAD 8696, COSPAR 1976-016A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Feb 1976, launched on 19 Feb 1976 on the DMSP Block 5C F-3 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the DMSP 5C programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the DMSP Block 5C bus, with a mass of 195 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.

1976
launched
1976
re-entered
0
years on orbit
195
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched19 Feb 1976 · on the DMSP Block 5C F-3 mission
Operational19 Feb 1976 · entered service
Retired19 Feb 1976 · end of operational service
Re-entered19 Feb 1976 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID8696
COSPAR1976-016A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusDMSP Block 5C
Mass195 kg
ProgrammeDMSP 5C
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude81 × 360 km
Inclination98.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to DMSP Block 5C F-3?

DMSP Block 5C F-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 19 Feb 1976, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1976. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did DMSP Block 5C F-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

DMSP Block 5C F-3 re-entered on 19 Feb 1976, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built DMSP Block 5C F-3?

DMSP Block 5C F-3 was operated by SAMSO and built by RCA (US).

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