🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
ERS 26
Retired 1976ERS 26 (NORAD 3951, COSPAR 1969-046B) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Aug 1976, launched on 23 May 1969 on the ERS 29 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the ORS III programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the ORS bus, with a mass of 9 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1969
launched
1976
retired
57
years on orbit
9
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched23 May 1969 · on the ERS 29 mission
Operational1 Aug 1976 · entered service
Retired1 Aug 1976 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID3951
COSPAR1969-046B
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusORS
Mass9 kg
ProgrammeORS III
CategorySCI
Orbit (VHEO)
Altitude16,977 × 111,583 km
Inclination33.1°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to ERS 26?
ERS 26 was retired from service around 1 Aug 1976 after launching in 1969. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built ERS 26?
ERS 26 was operated by SAMSO and built by TRW (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.