🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
GOES A
Retired 1985GOES A (NORAD 8366, COSPAR 1975-100A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Feb 1985, launched on 16 Oct 1975 on the GOES A mission. It was operated by NOAA as part of the GOES programme. The spacecraft was built by FORDP on the SMS bus, with a mass of 293 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1975
launched
1985
retired
51
years on orbit
293
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched16 Oct 1975 · on the GOES A mission
Operational1 Feb 1985 · entered service
Retired1 Feb 1985 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID8366
COSPAR1975-100A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNOAA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerFORDP
BusSMS
Mass293 kg (277 kg dry)
ProgrammeGOES
CategoryMET
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,763 × 35,817 km
Inclination0.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to GOES A?
GOES A was retired from service around 1 Feb 1985 after launching in 1975. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built GOES A?
GOES A was operated by NOAA and built by FORDP (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.