🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
IDCSP 21
Retired 1973IDCSP 21 (NORAD 3285, COSPAR 1968-050B) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1973, launched on 13 Jun 1968 on the IDCSP 20 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the IDCSP programme. The spacecraft was built by PHFO on the IDCSP bus, with a mass of 45 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1968
launched
1973
retired
58
years on orbit
45
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched13 Jun 1968 · on the IDCSP 20 mission
Operational1 Jan 1973 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1973 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID3285
COSPAR1968-050B
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerPHFO
BusIDCSP
Mass45 kg
ProgrammeIDCSP
CategoryCOM
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude33,717 × 33,881 km
Inclination0.1°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to IDCSP 21?
IDCSP 21 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1973 after launching in 1968. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built IDCSP 21?
IDCSP 21 was operated by SAMSO and built by PHFO (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.