🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
JUMPSEAT 5 (or QUASAR 3)
Retired 1985JUMPSEAT 5 (or QUASAR 3) (NORAD 10688, COSPAR 1978-021A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1985, launched on 25 Feb 1978 on the Jumpseat 5 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the Jumpseat programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the Jumpseat bus, with a mass of 1,000 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1978
launched
1985
retired
48
years on orbit
1,000
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched25 Feb 1978 · on the Jumpseat 5 mission
Operational1 Jan 1985 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1985 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID10688
COSPAR1978-021A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusJumpseat
Mass1,000 kg
ProgrammeJumpseat
CategorySIG
OrbitHEO (GTO)
Altitude805 × 34,272 km
Inclination63.5°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to JUMPSEAT 5 (or QUASAR 3)?
JUMPSEAT 5 (or QUASAR 3) was retired from service around 1 Jan 1985 after launching in 1978. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built JUMPSEAT 5 (or QUASAR 3)?
JUMPSEAT 5 (or QUASAR 3) was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by HSES (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.