🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
DMSP Block 5B F-4
Retired 1977DMSP Block 5B F-4 (NORAD 6787, COSPAR 1973-054A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 30 Apr 1977, launched on 17 Aug 1973 on the DMSP Block 5B F-4 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the DMSP 5B programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the DMSP Block 5B bus, with a mass of 192 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1973
launched
1977
retired
53
years on orbit
192
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched17 Aug 1973 · on the DMSP Block 5B F-4 mission
Operational30 Apr 1977 · entered service
Retired30 Apr 1977 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID6787
COSPAR1973-054A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusDMSP Block 5B
Mass192 kg
ProgrammeDMSP 5B
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude807 × 852 km
Inclination98.8°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to DMSP Block 5B F-4?
DMSP Block 5B F-4 was retired from service around 30 Apr 1977 after launching in 1973. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built DMSP Block 5B F-4?
DMSP Block 5B F-4 was operated by SAMSO and built by RCA (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.