🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
JUMPSEAT 1
Retired 1976JUMPSEAT 1 (NORAD 5053, COSPAR 1971-021A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1976, launched on 21 Mar 1971 on the Jumpseat 1 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the Jumpseat programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the Jumpseat bus, with a mass of 1,000 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1971
launched
1976
retired
55
years on orbit
1,000
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched21 Mar 1971 · on the Jumpseat 1 mission
Operational1 Jan 1976 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1976 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID5053
COSPAR1971-021A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusJumpseat
Mass1,000 kg
ProgrammeJumpseat
CategorySIG
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude182 × 39,321 km
Inclination63.3°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to JUMPSEAT 1?
JUMPSEAT 1 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1976 after launching in 1971. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built JUMPSEAT 1?
JUMPSEAT 1 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by HSES (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.