GAMBIT-3 FM-46

Re-entered 18 May 1976

GAMBIT-3 FM-46 (NORAD 8770, COSPAR 1976-027A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 May 1976, launched on 22 Mar 1976 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4346 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.

1976

launched

1976

re-entered

years on orbit

2,400

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched22 Mar 1976 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4346 mission

Operational18 May 1976 · entered service

Retired18 May 1976 · end of operational service

Re-entered18 May 1976 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID8770

COSPAR1976-027A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / SAFSP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC

BusKH-8

Mass2,400 kg

ProgrammeKH8D

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)

Altitude124 × 345 km

Inclination96.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-46?

GAMBIT-3 FM-46 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 May 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 GAMBIT-3 FM-46 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-46 re-entered on 18 May 1976, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-46?

GAMBIT-3 FM-46 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.

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