🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
DSP 3
Retired 1983DSP 3 (NORAD 5204, COSPAR 1971-039A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 10 Jan 1983, launched on 5 May 1971 on the DSP 3 mission.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 903 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1971
launched
1983
retired
55
years on orbit
903
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched5 May 1971 · on the DSP 3 mission
Operational10 Jan 1983 · entered service
Retired10 Jan 1983 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID5204
COSPAR1971-039A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusDSP
Mass903 kg (860 kg dry)
ProgrammeDSP I
CategoryEW
OrbitGEO (GEO/I)
Altitude35,776 × 35,798 km
Inclination6.6°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to DSP 3?
DSP 3 was retired from service around 10 Jan 1983 after launching in 1971. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built DSP 3?
DSP 3 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.