🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Solrad 11B
Retired 1979Solrad 11B (NORAD 8749, COSPAR 1976-023D) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 31 Oct 1979, launched on 15 Mar 1976 on the LES 8 mission. It was operated by NRL as part of the Solrad programme. The spacecraft was built by NRL on the SR 11 bus, with a mass of 171 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1976
launched
1979
retired
50
years on orbit
171
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched15 Mar 1976 · on the LES 8 mission
Operational31 Oct 1979 · entered service
Retired31 Oct 1979 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID8749
COSPAR1976-023D
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNRL
BusSR 11
Mass171 kg
ProgrammeSolrad
CategoryAST
Orbit (VHEO)
Altitude115,720 × 116,645 km
Inclination25.6°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Solrad 11B?
Solrad 11B was retired from service around 31 Oct 1979 after launching in 1976. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Solrad 11B?
Solrad 11B was operated by NRL and built by NRL (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.