🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
GRS-A
Retired 1970GRS-A (NORAD 4221, COSPAR 1969-097A) is a retired D satellite, withdrawn from service around 29 Jun 1970, launched on 8 Nov 1969 on the GRS-A mission. It was operated by DFVLR as part of the GRS programme. The spacecraft was built by GFW on the GRS bus, with a mass of 78 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1969
launched
1970
retired
57
years on orbit
78
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched8 Nov 1969 · on the GRS-A mission
Operational29 Jun 1970 · entered service
Retired29 Jun 1970 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID4221
COSPAR1969-097A
TypeSatellite
OperatorDFVLR
Country / StateD
ManufacturerGFW
BusGRS
Mass78 kg
ProgrammeGRS
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude388 × 3,142 km
Inclination103.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to GRS-A?
GRS-A was retired from service around 29 Jun 1970 after launching in 1969. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built GRS-A?
GRS-A was operated by DFVLR and built by GFW (D).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.