🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
APL SN-39
Retired 1974APL SN-39 (NORAD 671, COSPAR 1963-038C) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Nov 1974, launched on 28 Sep 1963 on the Transit VBN-1 mission. It was operated by BUWEPS as part of the Transit 5E programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the Transit 5 bus, with a mass of 59 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1963
launched
1974
retired
63
years on orbit
59
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched28 Sep 1963 · on the Transit VBN-1 mission
Operational1 Nov 1974 · entered service
Retired1 Nov 1974 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID671
COSPAR1963-038C
TypeSatellite
OperatorBUWEPS
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAPL
BusTransit 5
Mass59 kg
ProgrammeTransit 5E
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/P)
Altitude1,071 × 1,129 km
Inclination89.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to APL SN-39?
APL SN-39 was retired from service around 1 Nov 1974 after launching in 1963. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built APL SN-39?
APL SN-39 was operated by BUWEPS and built by APL (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.