🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
NNS O-15
Retired 1979NNS O-15 (NORAD 8860, COSPAR 1976-047A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Aug 1979, launched on 22 May 1976 on the NNS O-15 mission. It was operated by STP / APL as part of the NNS P programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the Transit 5 bus, with a mass of 72 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1976
launched
1979
retired
50
years on orbit
72
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched22 May 1976 · on the NNS O-15 mission
Operational1 Aug 1979 · entered service
Retired1 Aug 1979 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID8860
COSPAR1976-047A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSTP / APL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAPL
BusTransit 5
Mass72 kg
ProgrammeNNS P
CategoryNAV
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude984 × 1,047 km
Inclination99.6°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to NNS O-15?
NNS O-15 was retired from service around 1 Aug 1979 after launching in 1976. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built NNS O-15?
NNS O-15 was operated by STP / APL and built by APL (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.