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. OSCAR 8
// communications · 1978

OSCAR 8

American amateur radio satellite. OSCAR 8 was launched on March 5, 1978 aboard a Delta 2910 from Vandenberg. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 1978-026BNORAD 10703United States

Identity

Name in GCAT
AMSAT-OSCAR-8
Common name
OSCAR 8
Payload designation
OSCAR 8
Other names
AO-8
International designator
1978-026B
NORAD catalog number
10703
GCAT identifier
S10703
UN registration
ST/SG/SER.E/011

Mission

Mission type
Communications
Use
Amateur / academic
Program
AMSAT A
Owner
AMSAT-NA
Country
United States
Builder
AMSAT North America (Radio Amateur Satellite Corp)
Platform (bus)
AMSAT Phase 2

Launch

Date
March 5, 1978 · 17:54 UTC
Launch record
1978-026Success
Spaceport
Vandenberg · pad SLC2W

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
LEO/S
Perigee
898 km
Apogee
906 km
Inclination
99.08°
Status
In orbit
Last known active
Jun 24, 1983
End of operations
Jun 24, 1983

Size

Mass
27 kg
Dry mass
27 kg
Length
0.3 m
Diameter
0.40 m
Span
0.4 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q17297112 (CC0).