🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
DMSP Block 5C F-2
Retired 1977DMSP Block 5C F-2 (NORAD 7816, COSPAR 1975-043A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 30 Nov 1977, launched on 24 May 1975 on the DMSP Block 5C F-2 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the DMSP 5C programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the DMSP Block 5C bus, with a mass of 195 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1975
launched
1977
retired
51
years on orbit
195
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched24 May 1975 · on the DMSP Block 5C F-2 mission
Operational30 Nov 1977 · entered service
Retired30 Nov 1977 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID7816
COSPAR1975-043A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusDMSP Block 5C
Mass195 kg
ProgrammeDMSP 5C
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude805 × 894 km
Inclination98.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to DMSP Block 5C F-2?
DMSP Block 5C F-2 was retired from service around 30 Nov 1977 after launching in 1975. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built DMSP Block 5C F-2?
DMSP Block 5C F-2 was operated by SAMSO and built by RCA (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.