🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
NASA A-1
Retired 1960NASA A-1 (NORAD 29, COSPAR 1960 BET 2) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 18 Jun 1960, launched on 1 Apr 1960. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Tiros A programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the Tiros bus, with a mass of 122 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1960
launched
1960
retired
66
years on orbit
122
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched1 Apr 1960
Operational18 Jun 1960 · entered service
Retired18 Jun 1960 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID29
COSPAR1960 BET 2
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusTiros
Mass122 kg
ProgrammeTiros A
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude690 × 754 km
Inclination48.4°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to NASA A-1?
NASA A-1 was retired from service around 18 Jun 1960 after launching in 1960. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built NASA A-1?
NASA A-1 was operated by GSFC and built by RCA (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.