🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
DSCS II B-3
Retired 1982DSCS II B-3 (NORAD 6973, COSPAR 1973-100A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1982, launched on 13 Dec 1973 on the DSCS II B-3 mission. It was operated by SAMSO / DCA as part of the DSCS programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the DSCS II bus, with a mass of 585 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1973
launched
1982
retired
53
years on orbit
585
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched13 Dec 1973 · on the DSCS II B-3 mission
Operational1 Jan 1982 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1982 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID6973
COSPAR1973-100A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO / DCA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusDSCS II
Mass585 kg (500 kg dry)
ProgrammeDSCS
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,752 × 35,821 km
Inclination0.3°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to DSCS II B-3?
DSCS II B-3 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1982 after launching in 1973. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built DSCS II B-3?
DSCS II B-3 was operated by SAMSO / DCA and built by TRW (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.