🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Tiros M
Retired 1971Tiros M (NORAD 4320, COSPAR 1970-008A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 17 Jun 1971, launched on 23 Jan 1970 on the Tiros M mission. It was operated by ESSA as part of the ITOS programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the Tiros M bus, with a mass of 309 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1970
launched
1971
retired
56
years on orbit
309
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched23 Jan 1970 · on the Tiros M mission
Operational17 Jun 1971 · entered service
Retired17 Jun 1971 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID4320
COSPAR1970-008A
TypeSatellite
OperatorESSA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusTiros M
Mass309 kg
ProgrammeITOS
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude1,433 × 1,482 km
Inclination102.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Tiros M?
Tiros M was retired from service around 17 Jun 1971 after launching in 1970. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Tiros M?
Tiros M was operated by ESSA and built by RCA (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.