🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
TOS F
Retired 1976TOS F (NORAD 3615, COSPAR 1968-114A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 6 Mar 1976, launched on 15 Dec 1968 on the TOS F mission. It was operated by ESSA as part of the TOS programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the Tiros I bus, with a mass of 131 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1968
launched
1976
retired
58
years on orbit
131
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched15 Dec 1968 · on the TOS F mission
Operational6 Mar 1976 · entered service
Retired6 Mar 1976 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID3615
COSPAR1968-114A
TypeSatellite
OperatorESSA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusTiros I
Mass131 kg
ProgrammeTOS
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude1,414 × 1,465 km
Inclination101.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to TOS F?
TOS F was retired from service around 6 Mar 1976 after launching in 1968. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built TOS F?
TOS F was operated by ESSA and built by RCA (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.