🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
LES 8
Retired 2004LES 8 (NORAD 8746, COSPAR 1976-023A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 2 Jun 2004, launched on 15 Mar 1976 on the LES 8 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the LES programme. The spacecraft was built by MITLL on the LES bus, with a mass of 420 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1976
launched
2004
retired
50
years on orbit
420
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched15 Mar 1976 · on the LES 8 mission
Operational2 Jun 2004 · entered service
Retired2 Jun 2004 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID8746
COSPAR1976-023A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMITLL
BusLES
Mass420 kg (366 kg dry)
ProgrammeLES
CategoryCOM/TECH
OrbitGEO (GEO/T)
Altitude35,751 × 35,812 km
Inclination25.2°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to LES 8?
LES 8 was retired from service around 2 Jun 2004 after launching in 1976. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built LES 8?
LES 8 was operated by SAMSO and built by MITLL (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.