🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
DMSP Block 5B F-1
Retired 1972DMSP Block 5B F-1 (NORAD 5557, COSPAR 1971-087A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 29 Sep 1972, launched on 14 Oct 1971 on the DMSP Block 5B F-1 (SV-2) mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the DMSP 5B programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the DMSP Block 5B bus, with a mass of 192 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1971
launched
1972
retired
55
years on orbit
192
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched14 Oct 1971 · on the DMSP Block 5B F-1 (SV-2) mission
Operational29 Sep 1972 · entered service
Retired29 Sep 1972 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID5557
COSPAR1971-087A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusDMSP Block 5B
Mass192 kg
ProgrammeDMSP 5B
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude793 × 878 km
Inclination99.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to DMSP Block 5B F-1?
DMSP Block 5B F-1 was retired from service around 29 Sep 1972 after launching in 1971. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built DMSP Block 5B F-1?
DMSP Block 5B F-1 was operated by SAMSO and built by RCA (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.