GAMBIT-3 FM-48

Re-entered 26 May 1977

GAMBIT-3 FM-48 (NORAD 9863, COSPAR 1977-019A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 May 1977, launched on 13 Mar 1977 on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4348 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the KH8E programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the KH-8 bus, with a mass of 2,400 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.

1977

launched

1977

re-entered

years on orbit

2,400

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched13 Mar 1977 · on the GAMBIT-3 Mission 4348 mission

Operational26 May 1977 · entered service

Retired26 May 1977 · end of operational service

Re-entered26 May 1977 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID9863

COSPAR1977-019A

TypeSatellite

OperatorNRO / SAFSP

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerLMSC

BusKH-8

Mass2,400 kg

ProgrammeKH8E

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)

Altitude120 × 357 km

Inclination96.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GAMBIT-3 FM-48?

GAMBIT-3 FM-48 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 26 May 1977, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1977. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did GAMBIT-3 FM-48 re-enter the atmosphere?

GAMBIT-3 FM-48 re-entered on 26 May 1977, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GAMBIT-3 FM-48?

GAMBIT-3 FM-48 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by LMSC (US).

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

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