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DMSP Block 5D S-1

Retired 1979

DMSP Block 5D S-1 (NORAD 9415, COSPAR 1976-091A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 30 Sep 1979, launched on 11 Sep 1976 on the DMSP Block 5D S-1 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the DMSP 5D-1 programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the Block 5D bus, with a mass of 447 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

1976
launched
1979
retired
50
years on orbit
447
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Sep 1976 · on the DMSP Block 5D S-1 mission
Operational30 Sep 1979 · entered service
Retired30 Sep 1979 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)

Specifications

NORAD ID9415
COSPAR1976-091A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusBlock 5D
Mass447 kg
ProgrammeDMSP 5D-1
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude799 × 826 km
Inclination98.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to DMSP Block 5D S-1?

DMSP Block 5D S-1 was retired from service around 30 Sep 1979 after launching in 1976. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.

Who operated and built DMSP Block 5D S-1?

DMSP Block 5D S-1 was operated by SAMSO and built by RCA (US).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.