🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
DMSP Block 5B F-5
Retired 1976DMSP Block 5B F-5 (NORAD 7218, COSPAR 1974-015A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 27 May 1976, launched on 16 Mar 1974 on the DMSP Block 5B F-5 mission.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.
1974
launched
1976
retired
52
years on orbit
192
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched16 Mar 1974 · on the DMSP Block 5B F-5 mission
Operational27 May 1976 · entered service
Retired27 May 1976 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID7218
COSPAR1974-015A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusDMSP Block 5B
Mass192 kg
ProgrammeDMSP 5B
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude779 × 877 km
Inclination98.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to DMSP Block 5B F-5?
DMSP Block 5B F-5 was retired from service around 27 May 1976 after launching in 1974. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built DMSP Block 5B F-5?
DMSP Block 5B F-5 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.