🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
QUASAR 1
Retired 1986QUASAR 1 (NORAD 8871, COSPAR 1976-050A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1986, launched on 2 Jun 1976 on the SDS 1 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the SDS programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the SDS bus, with a mass of 800 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1976
launched
1986
retired
50
years on orbit
800
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched2 Jun 1976 · on the SDS 1 mission
Operational1 Jan 1986 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1986 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID8871
COSPAR1976-050A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusSDS
Mass800 kg (650 kg dry)
ProgrammeSDS
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude311 × 39,192 km
Inclination63.5°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to QUASAR 1?
QUASAR 1 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1986 after launching in 1976. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built QUASAR 1?
QUASAR 1 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by HSES (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.