🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Marisat A
Retired 1997Marisat A (NORAD 8697, COSPAR 1976-017A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 2 Apr 1997, launched on 19 Feb 1976 on the Marisat A mission. It was operated by COM as part of the Marisat programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-356 bus, with a mass of 360 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1976
launched
1997
retired
50
years on orbit
360
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched19 Feb 1976 · on the Marisat A mission
Operational2 Apr 1997 · entered service
Retired2 Apr 1997 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID8697
COSPAR1976-017A
TypeSatellite
OperatorCOM
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusHS-356
Mass360 kg (286 kg dry)
ProgrammeMarisat
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,743 × 35,829 km
Inclination1.8°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Marisat A?
Marisat A was retired from service around 2 Apr 1997 after launching in 1976. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Marisat A?
Marisat A was operated by COM and built by HSES (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.