🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Skynet IIB
Retired 1994Skynet IIB (NORAD 7547, COSPAR 1974-094A) is a retired UK satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1994, launched on 23 Nov 1974 on the Skynet IIB mission. It was operated by MOD as part of the Skynet programme. The spacecraft was built by MARCO on the Skynet 2 bus, with a mass of 221 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1974
launched
1994
retired
52
years on orbit
221
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched23 Nov 1974 · on the Skynet IIB mission
Operational1 Jan 1994 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1994 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID7547
COSPAR1974-094A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMOD
Country / StateUK
ManufacturerMARCO
BusSkynet 2
Mass221 kg (200 kg dry)
ProgrammeSkynet
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/D)
Altitude35,757 × 35,782 km
Inclination0.8°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Skynet IIB?
Skynet IIB was retired from service around 1 Jan 1994 after launching in 1974. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Skynet IIB?
Skynet IIB was operated by MOD and built by MARCO (UK).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.