🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Vanguard Test Satellite H
Retired 1964Vanguard Test Satellite H (NORAD 5, COSPAR 1958 BET 2) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Mar 1964, launched on 17 Mar 1958. It was operated by NRL as part of the Vanguard Test programme. The spacecraft was built by NRL on the NRL 6" bus, with a mass of 2 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1958
launched
1964
retired
68
years on orbit
2
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched17 Mar 1958
Operational1 Mar 1964 · entered service
Retired1 Mar 1964 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID5
COSPAR1958 BET 2
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNRL
BusNRL 6"
Mass2 kg
ProgrammeVanguard Test
CategoryTECH
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude657 × 3,935 km
Inclination34.3°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Vanguard Test Satellite H?
Vanguard Test Satellite H was retired from service around 1 Mar 1964 after launching in 1958. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Vanguard Test Satellite H?
Vanguard Test Satellite H was operated by NRL and built by NRL (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.