🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Tacsat
Retired 1972Tacsat (NORAD 3691, COSPAR 1969-013A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 4 Dec 1972, launched on 9 Feb 1969 on the Tacsat mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the Tacsat programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-308 bus, with a mass of 721 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1969
launched
1972
retired
57
years on orbit
721
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched9 Feb 1969 · on the Tacsat mission
Operational4 Dec 1972 · entered service
Retired4 Dec 1972 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID3691
COSPAR1969-013A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusHS-308
Mass721 kg (650 kg dry)
ProgrammeTacsat
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,768 × 35,803 km
Inclination0.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Tacsat?
Tacsat was retired from service around 4 Dec 1972 after launching in 1969. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Tacsat?
Tacsat was operated by SAMSO and built by HSES (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.