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DSP 1

Retired 1974

DSP 1 (NORAD 4630, COSPAR 1970-093A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Mar 1974, launched on 6 Nov 1970 on the DSP 1 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the DSP I programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the DSP bus, with a mass of 894 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

1970
launched
1974
retired
56
years on orbit
894
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched6 Nov 1970 · on the DSP 1 mission
Operational1 Mar 1974 · entered service
Retired1 Mar 1974 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)

Specifications

NORAD ID4630
COSPAR1970-093A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusDSP
Mass894 kg (860 kg dry)
ProgrammeDSP I
CategoryEW
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude26,045 × 35,930 km
Inclination7.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to DSP 1?

DSP 1 was retired from service around 1 Mar 1974 after launching in 1970. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.

Who operated and built DSP 1?

DSP 1 was operated by SAMSO and built by TRW (US).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.