🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
ATS E
Retired 1984ATS E (NORAD 4068, COSPAR 1969-069A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 20 Mar 1984, launched on 12 Aug 1969 on the ATS E mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the ATS programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-306 bus, with a mass of 453 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1969
launched
1984
retired
57
years on orbit
453
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched12 Aug 1969 · on the ATS E mission
Operational20 Mar 1984 · entered service
Retired20 Mar 1984 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID4068
COSPAR1969-069A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusHS-306
Mass453 kg (431 kg dry)
ProgrammeATS
CategoryCOM/TECH
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,778 × 35,791 km
Inclination2.5°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to ATS E?
ATS E was retired from service around 20 Mar 1984 after launching in 1969. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built ATS E?
ATS E was operated by GSFC and built by HSES (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.