🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Nimbus B2
Retired 1972Nimbus B2 (NORAD 3890, COSPAR 1969-037A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Feb 1972, launched on 14 Apr 1969 on the Nimbus B2 mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Nimbus programme. The spacecraft was built by GEVF on the Nimbus bus, with a mass of 576 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1969
launched
1972
retired
57
years on orbit
576
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched14 Apr 1969 · on the Nimbus B2 mission
Operational1 Feb 1972 · entered service
Retired1 Feb 1972 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID3890
COSPAR1969-037A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGEVF
BusNimbus
Mass576 kg
ProgrammeNimbus
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude1,073 × 1,134 km
Inclination99.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Nimbus B2?
Nimbus B2 was retired from service around 1 Feb 1972 after launching in 1969. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Nimbus B2?
Nimbus B2 was operated by GSFC and built by GEVF (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.