🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
RCA-B
Retired 1985RCA-B (NORAD 8774, COSPAR 1976-029A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 17 Jan 1985, launched on 26 Mar 1976 on the RCA-B mission. It was operated by AMC as part of the RCA Satcom programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the Satcom bus, with a mass of 433 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1976
launched
1985
retired
50
years on orbit
433
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched26 Mar 1976 · on the RCA-B mission
Operational17 Jan 1985 · entered service
Retired17 Jan 1985 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID8774
COSPAR1976-029A
TypeSatellite
OperatorAMC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusSatcom
Mass433 kg (335 kg dry)
ProgrammeRCA Satcom
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,711 × 35,861 km
Inclination0.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to RCA-B?
RCA-B was retired from service around 17 Jan 1985 after launching in 1976. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built RCA-B?
RCA-B was operated by AMC and built by RCA (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.