🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Nimbus E
Retired 1983Nimbus E (NORAD 6305, COSPAR 1972-097A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Apr 1983, launched on 11 Dec 1972 on the Nimbus E mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Nimbus programme. The spacecraft was built by GEVF on the Nimbus bus, with a mass of 715 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1972
launched
1983
retired
54
years on orbit
715
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched11 Dec 1972 · on the Nimbus E mission
Operational1 Apr 1983 · entered service
Retired1 Apr 1983 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID6305
COSPAR1972-097A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerGEVF
BusNimbus
Mass715 kg
ProgrammeNimbus
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude1,091 × 1,105 km
Inclination100.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Nimbus E?
Nimbus E was retired from service around 1 Apr 1983 after launching in 1972. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Nimbus E?
Nimbus E was operated by GSFC and built by GEVF (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.