🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
NRL PL159
Retired 1967NRL PL159 (NORAD 2872, COSPAR 1967-053F) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 May 1967, launched on 31 May 1967 on the NRL PL160 mission. It was operated by NRL as part of the NRL Cal programme. The spacecraft was built by NRL on the NRL 14"? bus, with a mass of 3 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1967
launched
1967
retired
59
years on orbit
3
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched31 May 1967 · on the NRL PL160 mission
Operational1 May 1967 · entered service
Retired1 May 1967 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID2872
COSPAR1967-053F
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNRL
BusNRL 14"?
Mass3 kg
ProgrammeNRL Cal
CategoryCAL
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude914 × 925 km
Inclination70.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to NRL PL159?
NRL PL159 was retired from service around 1 May 1967 after launching in 1967. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built NRL PL159?
NRL PL159 was operated by NRL and built by NRL (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.