🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
AQUACADE 3
Retired 1988AQUACADE 3 (NORAD 10508, COSPAR 1977-114A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1988, launched on 11 Dec 1977 on the AQUACADE 3 mission. It was operated by NRO / CIA as part of the RHYOLITE programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the RHYOLITE bus, with a mass of 700 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1977
launched
1988
retired
49
years on orbit
700
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched11 Dec 1977 · on the AQUACADE 3 mission
Operational1 Jan 1988 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1988 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID10508
COSPAR1977-114A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / CIA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusRHYOLITE
Mass700 kg (300 kg dry)
ProgrammeRHYOLITE
CategorySIG
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,750 × 35,800 km
Frequently asked questions
What happened to AQUACADE 3?
AQUACADE 3 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1988 after launching in 1977. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built AQUACADE 3?
AQUACADE 3 was operated by NRO / CIA and built by TRW (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.