🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
LES 6
Retired 1976LES 6 (NORAD 3431, COSPAR 1968-081D) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1976, launched on 26 Sep 1968 on the OV2-5 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the LES programme. The spacecraft was built by MITLL on the LES bus, with a mass of 169 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1968
launched
1976
retired
58
years on orbit
169
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched26 Sep 1968 · on the OV2-5 mission
Operational1 Jan 1976 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1976 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID3431
COSPAR1968-081D
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMITLL
BusLES
Mass169 kg (149 kg dry)
ProgrammeLES
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/ID)
Altitude35,654 × 35,939 km
Inclination4.4°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to LES 6?
LES 6 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1976 after launching in 1968. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built LES 6?
LES 6 was operated by SAMSO and built by MITLL (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.