🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
NASA S-55B
Retired 1963NASA S-55B (NORAD 506, COSPAR 1962 B CHI) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 25 Jul 1963, launched on 16 Dec 1962. It was operated by LARCN as part of the Explorer MME programme. The spacecraft was built by LARCN on the S-55 bus, with a mass of 76 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1962
launched
1963
retired
64
years on orbit
76
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched16 Dec 1962
Operational25 Jul 1963 · entered service
Retired25 Jul 1963 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID506
COSPAR1962 B CHI
TypeSatellite
OperatorLARCN
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLARCN
BusS-55
Mass76 kg
ProgrammeExplorer MME
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude759 × 1,170 km
Inclination52.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to NASA S-55B?
NASA S-55B was retired from service around 25 Jul 1963 after launching in 1962. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built NASA S-55B?
NASA S-55B was operated by LARCN and built by LARCN (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.