🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
RAE A
Retired 1972RAE A (NORAD 3307, COSPAR 1968-055A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 25 Dec 1972, launched on 4 Jul 1968 on the RAE A mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer RAE programme. The spacecraft was built by GSFC/FAIRH on the RAE bus, with a mass of 189 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1968
launched
1972
retired
58
years on orbit
189
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched4 Jul 1968 · on the RAE A mission
Operational25 Dec 1972 · entered service
Retired25 Dec 1972 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID3307
COSPAR1968-055A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGSFC/FAIRH
BusRAE
Mass189 kg
ProgrammeExplorer RAE
CategoryAST
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude5,840 × 5,862 km
Inclination120.8°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to RAE A?
RAE A was retired from service around 25 Dec 1972 after launching in 1968. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built RAE A?
RAE A was operated by GSFC and built by GSFC/FAIRH (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.