🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
JUMPSEAT 6
Retired 1983JUMPSEAT 6 (NORAD 12418, COSPAR 1981-038A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1983, launched on 24 Apr 1981 on the Jumpseat 6 mission.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.
1981
launched
1983
retired
45
years on orbit
1,000
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched24 Apr 1981 · on the Jumpseat 6 mission
Operational1 Jan 1983 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1983 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID12418
COSPAR1981-038A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusJumpseat
Mass1,000 kg
ProgrammeJumpseat
CategorySIG
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude500 × 39,300 km
Inclination63.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to JUMPSEAT 6?
JUMPSEAT 6 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1983 after launching in 1981. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built JUMPSEAT 6?
JUMPSEAT 6 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.