🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
TOS A
Retired 1968TOS A (NORAD 2435, COSPAR 1966-087A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 9 Oct 1968, launched on 2 Oct 1966 on the TOS A mission. It was operated by ESSA as part of the TOS programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the Tiros I bus, with a mass of 148 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1966
launched
1968
retired
60
years on orbit
148
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched2 Oct 1966 · on the TOS A mission
Operational9 Oct 1968 · entered service
Retired9 Oct 1968 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID2435
COSPAR1966-087A
TypeSatellite
OperatorESSA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusTiros I
Mass148 kg
ProgrammeTOS
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude1,385 × 1,488 km
Inclination101.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to TOS A?
TOS A was retired from service around 9 Oct 1968 after launching in 1966. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built TOS A?
TOS A was operated by ESSA and built by RCA (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.