🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Beacon Explorer C
Retired 1973Beacon Explorer C (NORAD 1328, COSPAR 1965-032A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 20 Jul 1973, launched on 29 Apr 1965 on the Beacon Explorer C mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer BE programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the Transit 5 bus, with a mass of 55 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1965
launched
1973
retired
61
years on orbit
55
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched29 Apr 1965 · on the Beacon Explorer C mission
Operational20 Jul 1973 · entered service
Retired20 Jul 1973 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID1328
COSPAR1965-032A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAPL
BusTransit 5
Mass55 kg
ProgrammeExplorer BE
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude936 × 1,316 km
Inclination41.2°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Beacon Explorer C?
Beacon Explorer C was retired from service around 20 Jul 1973 after launching in 1965. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Beacon Explorer C?
Beacon Explorer C was operated by GSFC and built by APL (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.