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OSCAR 6

Retired 1977

OSCAR 6 (NORAD 6236, COSPAR 1972-082B) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 21 Jun 1977, launched on 15 Oct 1972 on the ITOS D mission. It was operated by AMNA as part of the AMSAT A programme. The spacecraft was built by AMNA on the AMSAT Phase 2 bus, with a mass of 18 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

1972
launched
1977
retired
54
years on orbit
18
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Oct 1972 · on the ITOS D mission
Operational21 Jun 1977 · entered service
Retired21 Jun 1977 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)

Specifications

NORAD ID6236
COSPAR1972-082B
TypeSatellite
OperatorAMNA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAMNA
BusAMSAT Phase 2
Mass18 kg
ProgrammeAMSAT A
CategoryCOM
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude1,448 × 1,457 km
Inclination101.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to OSCAR 6?

OSCAR 6 was retired from service around 21 Jun 1977 after launching in 1972. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.

Who operated and built OSCAR 6?

OSCAR 6 was operated by AMNA and built by AMNA (US).

Launched together

ITOS DNORAD 6235
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.