🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
ISS
Retired 1976ISS (NORAD 8709, COSPAR 1976-019A) is a retired J satellite, withdrawn from service around 2 Apr 1976, launched on 29 Feb 1976 on the ISS mission. It was operated by NASDA as part of the NASDA Sci programme. The spacecraft was built by MELCO on the ISS bus, with a mass of 135 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1976
launched
1976
retired
50
years on orbit
135
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched29 Feb 1976 · on the ISS mission
Operational2 Apr 1976 · entered service
Retired2 Apr 1976 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID8709
COSPAR1976-019A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNASDA
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerMELCO
BusISS
Mass135 kg
ProgrammeNASDA Sci
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude991 × 1,006 km
Inclination69.7°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to ISS?
ISS was retired from service around 2 Apr 1976 after launching in 1976. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built ISS?
ISS was operated by NASDA and built by MELCO (J).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.