TIP 3

Re-entered 30 May 1981

TIP 3 (NORAD 9403, COSPAR 1976-089A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 May 1981, launched on 1 Sep 1976 on the TIP 3 mission. It was operated by NAVAIR as part of the NNS I programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the Nova bus, with a mass of 166 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

1981

re-entered

years on orbit

166

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched1 Sep 1976 · on the TIP 3 mission

Operational1 Feb 1977 · entered service

Retired1 Feb 1977 · end of operational service

Re-entered30 May 1981 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID9403

COSPAR1976-089A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNAVAIR

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerAPL

BusNova

Mass166 kg (140 kg dry)

ProgrammeNNS I

CategoryNAV

OrbitLEO (LLEO/P)

Altitude343 × 778 km

Inclination90.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to TIP 3?

TIP 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 May 1981, 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 TIP 3 re-enter the atmosphere?

TIP 3 re-entered on 30 May 1981, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built TIP 3?

TIP 3 was operated by NAVAIR and built by APL (US).

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

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