🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Cloud cover satellite
Retired 1959Cloud cover satellite (NORAD 11, COSPAR 1959 ALP 1) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 7 Mar 1959, launched on 17 Feb 1959. It was operated by BSC as part of the Vanguard programme. The spacecraft was built by NRL on the NRL 20" bus, with a mass of 10 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1959
launched
1959
retired
67
years on orbit
10
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched17 Feb 1959
Operational7 Mar 1959 · entered service
Retired7 Mar 1959 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID11
COSPAR1959 ALP 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorBSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNRL
BusNRL 20"
Mass10 kg
ProgrammeVanguard
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude564 × 3,304 km
Inclination32.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Cloud cover satellite?
Cloud cover satellite was retired from service around 7 Mar 1959 after launching in 1959. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Cloud cover satellite?
Cloud cover satellite was operated by BSC and built by NRL (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.