🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Beacon Explorer B
Retired 1970Beacon Explorer B (NORAD 899, COSPAR 1964-064A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Mar 1970, launched on 10 Oct 1964 on the Beacon Explorer B mission. It was operated by GSFC as part of the Explorer BE programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the Transit 5 bus, with a mass of 52 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1964
launched
1970
retired
62
years on orbit
52
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched10 Oct 1964 · on the Beacon Explorer B mission
Operational17 Apr 1969 · entered service
Retired1 Mar 1970 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID899
COSPAR1964-064A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAPL
BusTransit 5
Mass52 kg
ProgrammeExplorer BE
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude886 × 1,079 km
Inclination79.7°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Beacon Explorer B?
Beacon Explorer B was retired from service around 1 Mar 1970 after launching in 1964. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
How long was Beacon Explorer B operational?
Beacon Explorer B was operational for roughly 10 months, from 17 Apr 1969 to 1 Mar 1970.
Who operated and built Beacon Explorer B?
Beacon Explorer B was operated by GSFC and built by APL (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.