🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
POPPY 7 Alfa
Retired 1981POPPY 7 Alfa (NORAD 5678, COSPAR 1971-110A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1981, launched on 14 Dec 1971 on the POPPY 7 SV1 mission. It was operated by NRO / NRL as part of the POPPY programme. The spacecraft was built by NRL on the NRL MULTI bus, with a mass of 123 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1971
launched
1981
retired
55
years on orbit
123
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched14 Dec 1971 · on the POPPY 7 SV1 mission
Operational30 Sep 1977 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1981 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID5678
COSPAR1971-110A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / NRL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNRL
BusNRL MULTI
Mass123 kg
ProgrammePOPPY
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude985 × 994 km
Inclination70.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to POPPY 7 Alfa?
POPPY 7 Alfa was retired from service around 1 Jan 1981 after launching in 1971. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
How long was POPPY 7 Alfa operational?
POPPY 7 Alfa was operational for roughly 3 years, from 30 Sep 1977 to 1 Jan 1981.
Who operated and built POPPY 7 Alfa?
POPPY 7 Alfa was operated by NRO / NRL and built by NRL (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.