🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Relay A
Retired 1965Relay A (NORAD 503, COSPAR 1962 B UPS 1) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 10 Feb 1965, launched on 13 Dec 1962. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Relay programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the Relay bus, with a mass of 78 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1962
launched
1965
retired
64
years on orbit
78
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched13 Dec 1962
Operational10 Feb 1965 · entered service
Retired10 Feb 1965 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID503
COSPAR1962 B UPS 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusRelay
Mass78 kg
ProgrammeRelay
CategoryCOM
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude1,323 × 7,436 km
Inclination47.5°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Relay A?
Relay A was retired from service around 10 Feb 1965 after launching in 1962. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Relay A?
Relay A was operated by GSFC and built by RCA (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.