🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Long Rod
Retired 1965Long Rod (NORAD 1515, COSPAR 1965-065G) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 13 Aug 1965, launched on 13 Aug 1965 on the Dodecapole 2 mission. It was operated by NRL as part of the NRL Cal programme. The spacecraft was built by NRL on the Long Rod bus, with a mass of 3 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1965
launched
1965
retired
61
years on orbit
3
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched13 Aug 1965 · on the Dodecapole 2 mission
Operational13 Aug 1965 · entered service
Retired13 Aug 1965 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID1515
COSPAR1965-065G
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNRL
BusLong Rod
Mass3 kg
ProgrammeNRL Cal
CategoryCAL
OrbitLEO (LEO/P)
Altitude1,083 × 1,190 km
Inclination90.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Long Rod?
Long Rod was retired from service around 13 Aug 1965 after launching in 1965. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Long Rod?
Long Rod was operated by NRL and built by NRL (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.