🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
ATS F
Retired 1979ATS F (NORAD 7318, COSPAR 1974-039A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 2 Aug 1979, launched on 30 May 1974 on the ATS F mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the ATS programme. The spacecraft was built by FAIR on the ATS F bus, with a mass of 1,357 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1974
launched
1979
retired
52
years on orbit
1,357
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched30 May 1974 · on the ATS F mission
Operational2 Aug 1979 · entered service
Retired2 Aug 1979 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID7318
COSPAR1974-039A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerFAIR
BusATS F
Mass1,357 kg (1,308 kg dry)
ProgrammeATS
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,779 × 35,794 km
Inclination0.4°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to ATS F?
ATS F was retired from service around 2 Aug 1979 after launching in 1974. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built ATS F?
ATS F was operated by GSFC and built by FAIR (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.