🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
QUASAR 9
Retired 2007QUASAR 9 (NORAD 22518, COSPAR 1992-086B) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 2007, launched on 2 Dec 1992 on the OV-103 Medium deploy mission. It was operated by NRO / AFSMC 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.
1992
launched
2007
retired
34
years on orbit
5,852
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched2 Dec 1992 · on the OV-103 Medium deploy mission
Operational1 Jan 2007 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 2007 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID22518
COSPAR1992-086B
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / AFSMC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusHS-389?
Mass5,852 kg (4,500 kg dry)
ProgrammeSDS-B
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude1,000 × 39,400 km
Inclination63.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to QUASAR 9?
QUASAR 9 was retired from service around 1 Jan 2007 after launching in 1992. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built QUASAR 9?
QUASAR 9 was operated by NRO / AFSMC and built by HSES (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.