🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
OAO-C
Retired 1981OAO-C (NORAD 6153, COSPAR 1972-065A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 15 Feb 1981, launched on 21 Aug 1972 on the OAO-C mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the OAO programme. The spacecraft was built by GRUM on the OAO bus, with a mass of 2,177 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1972
launched
1981
retired
54
years on orbit
2,177
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched21 Aug 1972 · on the OAO-C mission
Operational15 Feb 1981 · entered service
Retired15 Feb 1981 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID6153
COSPAR1972-065A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGRUM
BusOAO
Mass2,177 kg
ProgrammeOAO
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude735 × 747 km
Inclination35.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to OAO-C?
OAO-C was retired from service around 15 Feb 1981 after launching in 1972. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built OAO-C?
OAO-C was operated by GSFC and built by GRUM (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.