🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
QUASAR 8
Retired 2005QUASAR 8 (NORAD 20963, COSPAR 1990-097B) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 2005, launched on 15 Nov 1990 on the OV-104 Medium dep mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the SDS-B programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-389? bus, with a mass of 5,852 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1990
launched
2005
retired
36
years on orbit
5,852
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched15 Nov 1990 · on the OV-104 Medium dep mission
Operational1 Jan 2005 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 2005 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID20963
COSPAR1990-097B
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusHS-389?
Mass5,852 kg (4,500 kg dry)
ProgrammeSDS-B
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,780 × 35,800 km
Frequently asked questions
What happened to QUASAR 8?
QUASAR 8 was retired from service around 1 Jan 2005 after launching in 1990. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built QUASAR 8?
QUASAR 8 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by HSES (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.