🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
NNS O-18
Retired 1976NNS O-18 (NORAD 3133, COSPAR 1968-012A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Aug 1976, launched on 2 Mar 1968 on the NNS O-18 mission. It was operated by NAVAIR as part of the NNS R programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the Transit 5 bus, with a mass of 60 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1968
launched
1976
retired
58
years on orbit
60
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched2 Mar 1968 · on the NNS O-18 mission
Operational16 Dec 1968 · entered service
Retired1 Aug 1976 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID3133
COSPAR1968-012A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNAVAIR
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusTransit 5
Mass60 kg
ProgrammeNNS R
CategoryNAV
OrbitLEO (LEO/P)
Altitude1,025 × 1,146 km
Inclination90.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to NNS O-18?
NNS O-18 was retired from service around 1 Aug 1976 after launching in 1968. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
How long was NNS O-18 operational?
NNS O-18 was operational for roughly 8 years, from 16 Dec 1968 to 1 Aug 1976.
Who operated and built NNS O-18?
NNS O-18 was operated by NAVAIR and built by RCA (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.