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NASA S-3C

Re-entered 25 Aug 2021

NASA S-3C (NORAD 963, COSPAR 1964-086A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Aug 2021, launched on 21 Dec 1964 on the EPE-D mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer EPE programme. The spacecraft was built by RAYM?/GSFC on the EPE bus, with a mass of 46 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
2021
re-entered
57
years on orbit
46
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Dec 1964 · on the EPE-D mission
Operational21 May 1967 · entered service
Retired21 May 1967 · end of operational service
Re-entered25 Aug 2021 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID963
COSPAR1964-086A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRAYM?/GSFC
BusEPE
Mass46 kg
ProgrammeExplorer EPE
CategorySCI
OrbitHEO (HEO)
Altitude310 × 26,202 km
Inclination20.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to NASA S-3C?

NASA S-3C re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Aug 2021, 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 NASA S-3C re-enter the atmosphere?

NASA S-3C re-entered on 25 Aug 2021, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built NASA S-3C?

NASA S-3C was operated by GSFC and built by RAYM?/GSFC (US).

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