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HS-301 Syncom B

Retired 1969

HS-301 Syncom B (NORAD 634, COSPAR 1963-031A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Apr 1969, launched on 26 Jul 1963 on the Syncom 2 mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Syncom programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-301 bus, with a mass of 34 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

1963
launched
1969
retired
63
years on orbit
34
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched26 Jul 1963 · on the Syncom 2 mission
Operational1 Apr 1969 · entered service
Retired1 Apr 1969 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)

Specifications

NORAD ID634
COSPAR1963-031A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusHS-301
Mass34 kg (30 kg dry)
ProgrammeSyncom
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/T)
Altitude35,784 × 35,793 km
Inclination32.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HS-301 Syncom B?

HS-301 Syncom B was retired from service around 1 Apr 1969 after launching in 1963. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.

Who operated and built HS-301 Syncom B?

HS-301 Syncom B was operated by GSFC and built by HSES (US).

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