🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
SMS B
Retired 1982SMS B (NORAD 7648, COSPAR 1975-011A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Oct 1982, launched on 6 Feb 1975 on the SMS B mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the GOES programme. The spacecraft was built by FORDP on the SMS bus, with a mass of 309 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1975
launched
1982
retired
51
years on orbit
309
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched6 Feb 1975 · on the SMS B mission
Operational1 Oct 1982 · entered service
Retired1 Oct 1982 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID7648
COSPAR1975-011A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerFORDP
BusSMS
Mass309 kg (293 kg dry)
ProgrammeGOES
CategoryMET
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,773 × 35,795 km
Inclination0.5°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to SMS B?
SMS B was retired from service around 1 Oct 1982 after launching in 1975. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built SMS B?
SMS B was operated by GSFC and built by FORDP (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.