🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
OAO A2
Retired 1973OAO A2 (NORAD 3597, COSPAR 1968-110A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 14 Feb 1973, launched on 7 Dec 1968 on the OAO A2 mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the OAO programme. The spacecraft was built by GRUM on the OAO bus, with a mass of 2,018 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1968
launched
1973
retired
58
years on orbit
2,018
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched7 Dec 1968 · on the OAO A2 mission
Operational14 Feb 1973 · entered service
Retired14 Feb 1973 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID3597
COSPAR1968-110A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGRUM
BusOAO
Mass2,018 kg
ProgrammeOAO
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude768 × 778 km
Inclination35.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to OAO A2?
OAO A2 was retired from service around 14 Feb 1973 after launching in 1968. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built OAO A2?
OAO A2 was operated by GSFC and built by GRUM (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.