🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
POPPY 3 Alfa
Retired 1965POPPY 3 Alfa (NORAD 731, COSPAR 1964-001E) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1965, launched on 11 Jan 1964 on the POPPY 3/HAYLOFT mission. It was operated by NRO / NRL as part of the POPPY programme. The spacecraft was built by NRL on the NRL 20" bus, with a mass of 29 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1964
launched
1965
retired
62
years on orbit
29
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched11 Jan 1964 · on the POPPY 3/HAYLOFT mission
Operational1 Jan 1965 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1965 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID731
COSPAR1964-001E
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / NRL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNRL
BusNRL 20"
Mass29 kg
ProgrammePOPPY
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude906 × 937 km
Inclination69.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to POPPY 3 Alfa?
POPPY 3 Alfa was retired from service around 1 Jan 1965 after launching in 1964. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built POPPY 3 Alfa?
POPPY 3 Alfa was operated by NRO / NRL and built by NRL (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.