🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
ATS B
Retired 1985ATS B (NORAD 2608, COSPAR 1966-110A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Apr 1985, launched on 7 Dec 1966 on the ATS B mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the ATS programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-306 bus, with a mass of 332 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1966
launched
1985
retired
60
years on orbit
332
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched7 Dec 1966 · on the ATS B mission
Operational1 Apr 1985 · entered service
Retired1 Apr 1985 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID2608
COSPAR1966-110A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusHS-306
Mass332 kg (266 kg dry)
ProgrammeATS
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,780 × 35,791 km
Inclination0.1°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to ATS B?
ATS B was retired from service around 1 Apr 1985 after launching in 1966. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built ATS B?
ATS B was operated by GSFC and built by HSES (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.