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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

S3-3

Re-entered 24 Apr 1986

S3-3 (NORAD 9007, COSPAR 1976-065B) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 Apr 1986, launched on 8 Jul 1976 on the HEXAGON SV-12 mission. It was operated by STP as part of the STP1 programme. The spacecraft was built by BOKT on the S3 bus, with a mass of 160 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
1986
re-entered
10
years on orbit
160
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched8 Jul 1976 · on the HEXAGON SV-12 mission
Operational15 May 1979 · entered service
Retired15 May 1979 · end of operational service
Re-entered24 Apr 1986 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID9007
COSPAR1976-065B
TypeSatellite
OperatorSTP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerBOKT
BusS3
Mass160 kg
ProgrammeSTP1
CategorySCI
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude232 × 6,038 km
Inclination97.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to S3-3?

S3-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 24 Apr 1986, 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 S3-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

S3-3 re-entered on 24 Apr 1986, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built S3-3?

S3-3 was operated by STP and built by BOKT (US).

Launched together

HEXAGON SV-12Re-entered 1976P-11 No. 4430Re-entered 1990
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.