🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
ETS-2
Retired 1990ETS-2 (NORAD 9852, COSPAR 1977-014A) is a retired J satellite, withdrawn from service around 10 Dec 1990, launched on 23 Feb 1977 on the ETS-2 mission. It was operated by NASDA as part of the ETS programme. The spacecraft was built by MELCO/FORDA on the ETS-2 bus, with a mass of 120 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1977
launched
1990
retired
49
years on orbit
120
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched23 Feb 1977 · on the ETS-2 mission
Operational10 Dec 1990 · entered service
Retired10 Dec 1990 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID9852
COSPAR1977-014A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNASDA
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerMELCO/FORDA
BusETS-2
Mass120 kg (108 kg dry)
ProgrammeETS
CategoryCOM
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,768 × 35,807 km
Inclination0.5°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to ETS-2?
ETS-2 was retired from service around 10 Dec 1990 after launching in 1977. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built ETS-2?
ETS-2 was operated by NASDA and built by MELCO/FORDA (J).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.