🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Tiros OT3
Retired 1968Tiros OT3 (NORAD 1982, COSPAR 1966-008A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 13 Jun 1968, launched on 3 Feb 1966 on the Tiros OT3 mission. It was operated by ESSA as part of the TOS programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the Tiros I bus, with a mass of 138 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1966
launched
1968
retired
60
years on orbit
138
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched3 Feb 1966 · on the Tiros OT3 mission
Operational13 Jun 1968 · entered service
Retired13 Jun 1968 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID1982
COSPAR1966-008A
TypeSatellite
OperatorESSA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusTiros I
Mass138 kg
ProgrammeTOS
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude705 × 838 km
Inclination97.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Tiros OT3?
Tiros OT3 was retired from service around 13 Jun 1968 after launching in 1966. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Tiros OT3?
Tiros OT3 was operated by ESSA and built by RCA (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.