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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

GAMBIT SV 964

Re-entered 6 Dec 1964

GAMBIT SV 964 (NORAD 946, COSPAR 1964-079A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Dec 1964, launched on 4 Dec 1964 on the GAMBIT SV 964 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the AFP-206 programme. The spacecraft was built by GEVF on the AFP-206 OCV bus, with a mass of 2,000 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
2,000
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Dec 1964 · on the GAMBIT SV 964 mission
Operational5 Dec 1964 · entered service
Retired5 Dec 1964 · end of operational service
Re-entered6 Dec 1964 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID946
COSPAR1964-079A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGEVF
BusAFP-206 OCV
Mass2,000 kg
ProgrammeAFP-206
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude158 × 357 km
Inclination97.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT SV 964?

GAMBIT SV 964 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Dec 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 GAMBIT SV 964 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT SV 964 re-entered on 6 Dec 1964, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT SV 964?

GAMBIT SV 964 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by GEVF (US).

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