Copernicus

NASA space observatory launched in 1972. Copernicus was launched on August 21, 1972 aboard a Atlas SLV-3C Centaur from Cape Canaveral & Kennedy. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 1972-065ANORAD 6153United States

Identity

Name in GCAT: Copernicus
Payload designation: OAO-C
Other names: OAO-3
International designator: 1972-065A
NORAD catalog number: 6153
GCAT identifier: S06153
UN registration: A/AC.105/INF.262

Mission

Mission type: Astronomy
Use: Civil government
Program: OAO
Owner: GSFC
Country: United States
Builder: Grummann Aerospace Corporation
Platform (bus): OAO

Launch

Date: August 21, 1972 · 10:28 UTC
Launch record: 1972-065Success
Rocket: Atlas SLV-3C Centaur
Spaceport: Cape Canaveral & Kennedy · pad LC36B

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): LEO/I
Perigee: 735 km
Apogee: 747 km
Inclination: 35.01°
Status: In orbit
Last known active: Feb 15, 1981
End of operations: Feb 15, 1981

Size

Mass: 2,177 kg
Dry mass: 2,177 kg
Length: 4.9 m
Diameter: 2.00 m
Span: 5.0 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q12129338 (CC0).