🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
X-4
Retired 1974X-4 (NORAD 7213, COSPAR 1974-013A) is a retired UK satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Nov 1974, launched on 9 Mar 1974 on the X-4 mission. It was operated by RAE as part of the UKX programme. The spacecraft was built by HSD on the X-4 bus, with a mass of 93 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1974
launched
1974
retired
52
years on orbit
93
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched9 Mar 1974 · on the X-4 mission
Operational1 Nov 1974 · entered service
Retired1 Nov 1974 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID7213
COSPAR1974-013A
TypeSatellite
OperatorRAE
Country / StateUK
ManufacturerHSD
BusX-4
Mass93 kg
ProgrammeUKX
CategoryTECH
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude709 × 917 km
Inclination97.8°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to X-4?
X-4 was retired from service around 1 Nov 1974 after launching in 1974. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built X-4?
X-4 was operated by RAE and built by HSD (UK).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.