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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Relay B

Retired 1965

Relay B (NORAD 737, COSPAR 1964-003A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 26 Sep 1965, launched on 21 Jan 1964 on the Relay B mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Relay programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the Relay bus, with a mass of 83 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

1964
launched
1965
retired
62
years on orbit
83
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Jan 1964 · on the Relay B mission
Operational26 Sep 1965 · entered service
Retired26 Sep 1965 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)

Specifications

NORAD ID737
COSPAR1964-003A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusRelay
Mass83 kg
ProgrammeRelay
CategoryCOM
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude2,090 × 7,411 km
Inclination46.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Relay B?

Relay B was retired from service around 26 Sep 1965 after launching in 1964. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.

Who operated and built Relay B?

Relay B was operated by GSFC and built by RCA (US).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.