🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
APL SN-43
Retired 1965APL SN-43 (NORAD 959, COSPAR 1964-083C) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 30 Jun 1965, launched on 13 Dec 1964 on the APL SN-43 mission. It was operated by BUWEPS as part of the Transit 5E programme. The spacecraft was built by APL on the Transit 5 bus, with a mass of 77 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1964
launched
1965
retired
62
years on orbit
77
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched13 Dec 1964 · on the APL SN-43 mission
Operational30 Jun 1965 · entered service
Retired30 Jun 1965 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID959
COSPAR1964-083C
TypeSatellite
OperatorBUWEPS
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerAPL
BusTransit 5
Mass77 kg
ProgrammeTransit 5E
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LEO/P)
Altitude1,027 × 1,084 km
Inclination90.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to APL SN-43?
APL SN-43 was retired from service around 30 Jun 1965 after launching in 1964. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built APL SN-43?
APL SN-43 was operated by BUWEPS and built by APL (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.