🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
RHYOLITE 2
Retired 1983RHYOLITE 2 (NORAD 6380, COSPAR 1973-013A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1983, launched on 6 Mar 1973 on the RHYOLITE 2 mission. It was operated by NRO / CIA as part of the RHYOLITE programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the RHYOLITE bus, with a mass of 700 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1973
launched
1983
retired
53
years on orbit
700
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched6 Mar 1973 · on the RHYOLITE 2 mission
Operational1 Jan 1983 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1983 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID6380
COSPAR1973-013A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / CIA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusRHYOLITE
Mass700 kg (300 kg dry)
ProgrammeRHYOLITE
CategorySIG
OrbitGEO (GEO/D)
Altitude35,679 × 35,855 km
Inclination0.2°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to RHYOLITE 2?
RHYOLITE 2 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1983 after launching in 1973. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built RHYOLITE 2?
RHYOLITE 2 was operated by NRO / CIA and built by TRW (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.