🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Magne-Ray satellite
Retired 1959Magne-Ray satellite (NORAD 20, COSPAR 1959 ETA) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 12 Dec 1959, launched on 18 Sep 1959. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Vanguard3 programme. The spacecraft was built by NRL on the NRL 20" bus, with a mass of 23 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1959
launched
1959
retired
67
years on orbit
23
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched18 Sep 1959
Operational12 Dec 1959 · entered service
Retired12 Dec 1959 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID20
COSPAR1959 ETA
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNRL
BusNRL 20"
Mass23 kg
ProgrammeVanguard3
CategorySCI
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude521 × 3,758 km
Inclination33.4°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Magne-Ray satellite?
Magne-Ray satellite was retired from service around 12 Dec 1959 after launching in 1959. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Magne-Ray satellite?
Magne-Ray satellite was operated by GSFC and built by NRL (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.