🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
PARCAE 3 SSU 1
Retired 1985PARCAE 3 SSU 1 (NORAD 11731, COSPAR 1980-019C) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1985, launched on 3 Mar 1980 on the PARCAE 3 mission. It was operated by NRO / NRL as part of the SSU programme. The spacecraft was built by MM on the NOSS SSU bus, with a mass of 200 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1980
launched
1985
retired
46
years on orbit
200
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched3 Mar 1980 · on the PARCAE 3 mission
Operational1 Jan 1985 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1985 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID11731
COSPAR1980-019C
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / NRL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMM
BusNOSS SSU
Mass200 kg
ProgrammeSSU
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude730 × 1,485 km
Inclination63.5°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to PARCAE 3 SSU 1?
PARCAE 3 SSU 1 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1985 after launching in 1980. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built PARCAE 3 SSU 1?
PARCAE 3 SSU 1 was operated by NRO / NRL and built by MM (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.