🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
DSP 7
Retired 1985DSP 7 (NORAD 8916, COSPAR 1976-059A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 6 Mar 1985, launched on 26 Jun 1976 on the DSP 7 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the DSP II programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the DSP P2 bus, with a mass of 1,040 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1976
launched
1985
retired
50
years on orbit
1,040
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched26 Jun 1976 · on the DSP 7 mission
Operational6 Mar 1985 · entered service
Retired6 Mar 1985 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID8916
COSPAR1976-059A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusDSP P2
Mass1,040 kg (980 kg dry)
ProgrammeDSP II
CategoryEW
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,768 × 35,819 km
Inclination2.5°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to DSP 7?
DSP 7 was retired from service around 6 Mar 1985 after launching in 1976. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built DSP 7?
DSP 7 was operated by SAMSO and built by TRW (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.