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HS-301 Syncom A

Retired 1963

HS-301 Syncom A (NORAD 553, COSPAR 1963-004A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 14 Feb 1963, launched on 14 Feb 1963 on the Syncom 1 mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Syncom programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-301 bus, with a mass of 32 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

1963
launched
1963
retired
63
years on orbit
32
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched14 Feb 1963 · on the Syncom 1 mission
Operational14 Feb 1963 · entered service
Retired14 Feb 1963 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)

Specifications

NORAD ID553
COSPAR1963-004A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusHS-301
Mass32 kg (27 kg dry)
ProgrammeSyncom
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/NS)
Altitude34,181 × 37,015 km
Inclination33.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HS-301 Syncom A?

HS-301 Syncom A was retired from service around 14 Feb 1963 after launching in 1963. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.

Who operated and built HS-301 Syncom A?

HS-301 Syncom A was operated by GSFC and built by HSES (US).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.
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