🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Lageos
Retired 1976Lageos (NORAD 8820, COSPAR 1976-039A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 4 May 1976, launched on 4 May 1976 on the Lageos mission. It was operated by MSFC as part of the Lageos programme. The spacecraft was built by BENDX on the Lageos bus, with a mass of 411 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1976
launched
1976
retired
50
years on orbit
411
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched4 May 1976 · on the Lageos mission
Operational4 May 1976 · entered service
Retired4 May 1976 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID8820
COSPAR1976-039A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerBENDX
BusLageos
Mass411 kg
ProgrammeLageos
CategoryGEOD
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude5,834 × 5,951 km
Inclination109.9°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Lageos?
Lageos was retired from service around 4 May 1976 after launching in 1976. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Lageos?
Lageos was operated by MSFC and built by BENDX (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.