🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
SMS A
Retired 1981SMS A (NORAD 7298, COSPAR 1974-033A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 29 Jan 1981, launched on 17 May 1974 on the SMS A mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the GOES programme. The spacecraft was built by PHFP on the SMS bus, with a mass of 285 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1974
launched
1981
retired
52
years on orbit
285
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched17 May 1974 · on the SMS A mission
Operational29 Jan 1981 · entered service
Retired29 Jan 1981 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID7298
COSPAR1974-033A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerPHFP
BusSMS
Mass285 kg (269 kg dry)
ProgrammeGOES
CategoryMET
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,705 × 35,867 km
Inclination2.3°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to SMS A?
SMS A was retired from service around 29 Jan 1981 after launching in 1974. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built SMS A?
SMS A was operated by GSFC and built by PHFP (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.