🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Transit VBN-2
Retired 1971Transit VBN-2 (NORAD 704, COSPAR 1963-049B) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1971, launched on 5 Dec 1963 on the Transit VBN-2 mission. It was operated by BUWEPS as part of the Transit 5 programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the Transit 5 bus, with a mass of 75 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1963
launched
1971
retired
63
years on orbit
75
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched5 Dec 1963 · on the Transit VBN-2 mission
Operational1 Nov 1964 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1971 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID704
COSPAR1963-049B
TypeSatellite
OperatorBUWEPS
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAPL
BusTransit 5
Mass75 kg
ProgrammeTransit 5
CategoryNAV
OrbitLEO (LEO/P)
Altitude1,064 × 1,114 km
Inclination90.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Transit VBN-2?
Transit VBN-2 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1971 after launching in 1963. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
How long was Transit VBN-2 operational?
Transit VBN-2 was operational for roughly 6 years, from 1 Nov 1964 to 1 Jan 1971.
Who operated and built Transit VBN-2?
Transit VBN-2 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.