🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
LES 5
Retired 1972LES 5 (NORAD 2866, COSPAR 1967-066E) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1972, launched on 1 Jul 1967 on the IDCSP 16 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the LES programme. The spacecraft was built by MITLL on the LES bus, with a mass of 102 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1967
launched
1972
retired
59
years on orbit
102
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched1 Jul 1967 · on the IDCSP 16 mission
Operational1 May 1971 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1972 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID2866
COSPAR1967-066E
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMITLL
BusLES
Mass102 kg
ProgrammeLES
CategoryCOM
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude33,171 × 33,639 km
Inclination6.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to LES 5?
LES 5 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1972 after launching in 1967. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
How long was LES 5 operational?
LES 5 was operational for roughly 8 months, from 1 May 1971 to 1 Jan 1972.
Who operated and built LES 5?
LES 5 was operated by SAMSO and built by MITLL (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.