🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
LES 9
Retired 2020LES 9 (NORAD 8747, COSPAR 1976-023B) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 20 May 2020, launched on 15 Mar 1976 on the LES 8 mission.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
2020
retired
50
years on orbit
420
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched15 Mar 1976 · on the LES 8 mission
Operational20 May 2020 · entered service
Retired20 May 2020 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID8747
COSPAR1976-023B
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMITLL
BusLES
Mass420 kg (366 kg dry)
ProgrammeLES
CategoryCOM/TECH
OrbitGEO (GEO/T)
Altitude35,774 × 35,803 km
Inclination25.2°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to LES 9?
LES 9 was retired from service around 20 May 2020 after launching in 1976. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built LES 9?
LES 9 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.