🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Solar Explorer A
Retired 1967Solar Explorer A (NORAD 1738, COSPAR 1965-093A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 20 Nov 1967, launched on 19 Nov 1965 on the Solar Explorer A mission. It was operated by NRL as part of the Solrad24 programme. The spacecraft was built by NRL on the NRL 24" bus, with a mass of 57 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1965
launched
1967
retired
61
years on orbit
57
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched19 Nov 1965 · on the Solar Explorer A mission
Operational20 Nov 1967 · entered service
Retired20 Nov 1967 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID1738
COSPAR1965-093A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNRL
BusNRL 24"
Mass57 kg
ProgrammeSolrad24
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude693 × 898 km
Inclination59.7°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Solar Explorer A?
Solar Explorer A was retired from service around 20 Nov 1967 after launching in 1965. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Solar Explorer A?
Solar Explorer A was operated by NRL and built by NRL (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.