🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
STP P72-1
Retired 1973STP P72-1 (NORAD 6217, COSPAR 1972-076B) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 May 1973, launched on 2 Oct 1972 on the Radcat mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the STP1 programme. The spacecraft was built by BOKT on the P72-1 bus, with a mass of 566 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1972
launched
1973
retired
54
years on orbit
566
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched2 Oct 1972 · on the Radcat mission
Operational1 May 1973 · entered service
Retired1 May 1973 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID6217
COSPAR1972-076B
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerBOKT
BusP72-1
Mass566 kg
ProgrammeSTP1
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude728 × 749 km
Inclination98.5°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to STP P72-1?
STP P72-1 was retired from service around 1 May 1973 after launching in 1972. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built STP P72-1?
STP P72-1 was operated by SAMSO and built by BOKT (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.