🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
DSCS II A-1
Retired 2020DSCS II A-1 (NORAD 5587, COSPAR 1971-095A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 6 Jan 2020, launched on 3 Nov 1971 on the DSCS II A-1 mission. It was operated by SAMSO / DCA as part of the DSCS programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the DSCS II bus, with a mass of 526 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1971
launched
2020
retired
55
years on orbit
526
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched3 Nov 1971 · on the DSCS II A-1 mission
Operational2 Jun 1973 · entered service
Retired6 Jan 2020 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID5587
COSPAR1971-095A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO / DCA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusDSCS II
Mass526 kg (500 kg dry)
ProgrammeDSCS
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,783 × 35,792 km
Inclination2.6°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to DSCS II A-1?
DSCS II A-1 was retired from service around 6 Jan 2020 after launching in 1971. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
How long was DSCS II A-1 operational?
DSCS II A-1 was operational for roughly 47 years, from 2 Jun 1973 to 6 Jan 2020.
Who operated and built DSCS II A-1?
DSCS II A-1 was operated by SAMSO / DCA and built by TRW (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.