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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Mariner C-3

Re-entered 29 Nov 1964

Mariner C-3 (NORAD 938, COSPAR 1964-077A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Nov 1964, launched on 28 Nov 1964 on the Mariner C-3 mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the Mariner programme. The spacecraft was built by JPL on the Mariner bus, with a mass of 261 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.

1964
launched
1964
re-entered
0
years on orbit
261
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched28 Nov 1964 · on the Mariner C-3 mission
Operational20 Dec 1967 · entered service
Retired20 Dec 1967 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 Nov 1964 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID938
COSPAR1964-077A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerJPL
BusMariner
Mass261 kg (251 kg dry)
ProgrammeMariner
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude187 × -96,015 km
Inclination28.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mariner C-3?

Mariner C-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Nov 1964, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1964. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Mariner C-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

Mariner C-3 re-entered on 29 Nov 1964, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mariner C-3?

Mariner C-3 was operated by JPL and built by JPL (US).

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