LES 8

USA

Launch data:

Designation	08746 / 76023A
Launch date	15 Mar 1976
Launch site	CC, LC-40
Launch vehicle	Titan-3(23)C (#93)
Mission	Military: telecommunications
Geostationary orbit on:
Perigee / Apogee	km
Eccentricity
Inclination	deg
Period	min
Mass at launch	450 kg

LES 8 & 9 were placed in geostationary orbit with 90° between each other. Equipped with a radio isotropic 238 plutonium generator, they could communicate without the help of a ground station.

Location

Begin	End	Position
L: 15 Mar 1976		?
Mar 1995		94.5°W, inclined
Jan 1996		103°W, inclined

End of life

Out of service	1998?
Cause

Ref: #15 - update: 10.07.08