🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
NTS 2
Retired 1980NTS 2 (NORAD 10091, COSPAR 1977-053A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1980, launched on 23 Jun 1977 on the NTS 2 mission. It was operated by SAMSO / USN as part of the NTS programme. The spacecraft was built by NRL on the NTS bus, with a mass of 430 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1977
launched
1980
retired
49
years on orbit
430
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched23 Jun 1977 · on the NTS 2 mission
Operational1 Jan 1980 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1980 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID10091
COSPAR1977-053A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO / USN
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNRL
BusNTS
Mass430 kg
ProgrammeNTS
CategoryNAV
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude20,074 × 20,296 km
Inclination63.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to NTS 2?
NTS 2 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1980 after launching in 1977. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built NTS 2?
NTS 2 was operated by SAMSO / USN and built by NRL (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-16.