🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
JUMPSEAT 3
Retired 1978JUMPSEAT 3 (NORAD 6791, COSPAR 1973-056A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1978, launched on 21 Aug 1973 on the Jumpseat 3 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the Jumpseat programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the Jumpseat bus, with a mass of 1,000 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1973
launched
1978
retired
53
years on orbit
1,000
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched21 Aug 1973 · on the Jumpseat 3 mission
Operational1 Jan 1978 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1978 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID6791
COSPAR1973-056A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusJumpseat
Mass1,000 kg
ProgrammeJumpseat
CategorySIG
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude362 × 39,206 km
Inclination63.3°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to JUMPSEAT 3?
JUMPSEAT 3 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1978 after launching in 1973. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built JUMPSEAT 3?
JUMPSEAT 3 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by HSES (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.