🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
GEOS A
Retired 1968GEOS A (NORAD 1726, COSPAR 1965-089A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 16 Feb 1968, launched on 6 Nov 1965 on the GEOS A mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer BE programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the ANNA bus, with a mass of 176 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1965
launched
1968
retired
61
years on orbit
176
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched6 Nov 1965 · on the GEOS A mission
Operational17 Dec 1967 · entered service
Retired16 Feb 1968 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID1726
COSPAR1965-089A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAPL
BusANNA
Mass176 kg
ProgrammeExplorer BE
CategoryGEOD
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude1,117 × 2,273 km
Inclination59.4°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to GEOS A?
GEOS A was retired from service around 16 Feb 1968 after launching in 1965. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
How long was GEOS A operational?
GEOS A was operational for roughly 2 months, from 17 Dec 1967 to 16 Feb 1968.
Who operated and built GEOS A?
GEOS A 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.