🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
OAO A1
Retired 1966OAO A1 (NORAD 2142, COSPAR 1966-031A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 10 Apr 1966, launched on 8 Apr 1966 on the OAO A1 mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the OAO programme. The spacecraft was built by GRUM on the OAO bus, with a mass of 1,769 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1966
launched
1966
retired
60
years on orbit
1,769
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched8 Apr 1966 · on the OAO A1 mission
Operational10 Apr 1966 · entered service
Retired10 Apr 1966 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID2142
COSPAR1966-031A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGRUM
BusOAO
Mass1,769 kg
ProgrammeOAO
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude794 × 804 km
Inclination35.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to OAO A1?
OAO A1 was retired from service around 10 Apr 1966 after launching in 1966. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built OAO A1?
OAO A1 was operated by GSFC and built by GRUM (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.