🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
DSP 9
Retired 1985DSP 9 (NORAD 9803, COSPAR 1977-007A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 24 Jan 1985, launched on 6 Feb 1977 on the DSP 9 mission.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.
1977
launched
1985
retired
49
years on orbit
1,040
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched6 Feb 1977 · on the DSP 9 mission
Operational24 Jan 1985 · entered service
Retired24 Jan 1985 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID9803
COSPAR1977-007A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusDSP P2
Mass1,040 kg (980 kg dry)
ProgrammeDSP II
CategoryEW
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,777 × 35,796 km
Inclination2.0°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to DSP 9?
DSP 9 was retired from service around 24 Jan 1985 after launching in 1977. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built DSP 9?
DSP 9 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.