🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
DMSP Block 5B F-2
Retired 1975DMSP Block 5B F-2 (NORAD 5903, COSPAR 1972-018A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 30 Apr 1975, launched on 24 Mar 1972 on the DMSP Block 5B F-2 (SV-1) mission.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.
1972
launched
1975
retired
54
years on orbit
192
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched24 Mar 1972 · on the DMSP Block 5B F-2 (SV-1) mission
Operational30 Apr 1975 · entered service
Retired30 Apr 1975 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID5903
COSPAR1972-018A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusDMSP Block 5B
Mass192 kg
ProgrammeDMSP 5B
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude800 × 884 km
Inclination98.8°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to DMSP Block 5B F-2?
DMSP Block 5B F-2 was retired from service around 30 Apr 1975 after launching in 1972. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built DMSP Block 5B F-2?
DMSP Block 5B F-2 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.