2026-244Latest orbital launch: Falcon 9 · Starlink Group 15-16 · Oct 27, 2026 · VandenbergLaunch record →
sci-techmaventhe history of spaceflight, in data
sci-techmaven
Launch logAdvertise
  1. Home
  2. Spacecraft
  3. GEOS-B
// geodesy · 1968

GEOS-B

NASA artificial satellite. GEOS-B was launched on January 11, 1968 aboard a Thor Delta E1 from Vandenberg. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 1968-002ANORAD 3093United States

Identity

Name in GCAT
Geos 2
Common name
GEOS-B
Payload designation
Geos B
Other names
Explorer 36
International designator
1968-002A
NORAD catalog number
3093
GCAT identifier
S03093
UN registration
A/AC.105/INF.187

Mission

Mission type
Geodesy
Use
Civil government
Program
Explorer BE
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Builder
JHU-Applied Physics Lab
Platform (bus)
ANNA

Launch

Date
January 11, 1968 · 16:16 UTC
Launch record
1968-002Success
Spaceport
Vandenberg · pad SLC2E

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
LEO/R
Perigee
1,084 km
Apogee
1,573 km
Inclination
105.79°
Status
In orbit
Last known active
Mar 27, 1973
End of operations
Mar 27, 1973

Size

Mass
212 kg
Dry mass
212 kg
Length
1.1 m
Diameter
1.20 m
Span
8.9 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q16334345 (CC0).