🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
RCA-A
Retired 1984RCA-A (NORAD 8476, COSPAR 1975-117A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 8 Jun 1984, launched on 13 Dec 1975 on the RCA-A mission. It was operated by AMCR as part of the RCA Satcom programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the Satcom bus, with a mass of 433 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1975
launched
1984
retired
51
years on orbit
433
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched13 Dec 1975 · on the RCA-A mission
Operational8 Jun 1984 · entered service
Retired8 Jun 1984 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID8476
COSPAR1975-117A
TypeSatellite
OperatorAMCR
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusSatcom
Mass433 kg (335 kg dry)
ProgrammeRCA Satcom
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,707 × 35,863 km
Inclination0.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to RCA-A?
RCA-A was retired from service around 8 Jun 1984 after launching in 1975. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built RCA-A?
RCA-A was operated by AMCR and built by RCA (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.