The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes
Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name
COMSTAR 2 (09047)
COSPAR: 1976-073A | Alt Name: Comstar 202
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 22, 1976
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36B
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
09047
International Designator
1976-073A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:00:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
7.85°
Right Ascension
304.93°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
206.44°
Period
1440.33 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
COMSTAR 2
Alternative Name
Comstar 202
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
COM
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 09047U 76073A 26200.75067117 -.00000272 00000+0 00000+0 0 9997
2 09047 7.8531 304.9319 0000679 206.4363 354.8735 00.99977338 47530
Source: Celestrak
Summary
Apologies, there is no summary for this satellite yet. I am working to generate these for every object in the catalog, but it is going to take time.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.5
Diameter
2.4
Span
6.3
Dry Mass
590
Launch Mass
748
Shape
Cyl + Ant
Radar Cross Section
1.8769
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Comstar D-2
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
HSES
Life Expectancy
7 years
Bus
HS-351
Configuration
HS-351
Motor
SVM-4A
Equipment
24 C-band transponders
Power System
Solar cells (body mounted), batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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