🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Geos 1
Retired 1980Geos 1 (NORAD 9931, COSPAR 1977-029A) is a retired I-ESA satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1980, launched on 20 Apr 1977 on the Geos 1 mission. It was operated by ESA as part of the ESA Geos programme. The spacecraft was built by BAEF on the ESA Geos bus, with a mass of 267 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1977
launched
1980
retired
49
years on orbit
267
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched20 Apr 1977 · on the Geos 1 mission
Operational1 Jan 1980 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1980 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID9931
COSPAR1977-029A
TypeSatellite
OperatorESA
Country / StateI-ESA
ManufacturerBAEF
BusESA Geos
Mass267 kg (237 kg dry)
ProgrammeESA Geos
CategorySCI
OrbitHEO (GTO)
Altitude2,083 × 38,294 km
Inclination26.5°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Geos 1?
Geos 1 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1980 after launching in 1977. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Geos 1?
Geos 1 was operated by ESA and built by BAEF (I-ESA).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.