🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Nimbus C
Retired 1969Nimbus C (NORAD 2173, COSPAR 1966-040A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 18 Jan 1969, launched on 15 May 1966 on the Nimbus C mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Nimbus programme. The spacecraft was built by GEVF on the Nimbus bus, with a mass of 414 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1966
launched
1969
retired
60
years on orbit
414
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched15 May 1966 · on the Nimbus C mission
Operational18 Jan 1969 · entered service
Retired18 Jan 1969 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID2173
COSPAR1966-040A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGEVF
BusNimbus
Mass414 kg
ProgrammeNimbus
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude1,101 × 1,178 km
Inclination100.3°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Nimbus C?
Nimbus C was retired from service around 18 Jan 1969 after launching in 1966. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Nimbus C?
Nimbus C was operated by GSFC and built by GEVF (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.