🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
QUASAR 6
Retired 1995QUASAR 6 (NORAD 15546, COSPAR 1985-014A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1995, launched on 8 Feb 1985 on the SDS 6 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the SDS programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the SDS bus, with a mass of 800 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1985
launched
1995
retired
41
years on orbit
800
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched8 Feb 1985 · on the SDS 6 mission
Operational1 Jan 1995 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1995 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID15546
COSPAR1985-014A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusSDS
Mass800 kg (650 kg dry)
ProgrammeSDS
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude400 × 39,700 km
Inclination63.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to QUASAR 6?
QUASAR 6 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1995 after launching in 1985. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built QUASAR 6?
QUASAR 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.