IMEWS 3 / DSP 4 Spacecraft:  Code 647 DSP F3 Numbers: 1972 payload #12 ; 1972-010A ; 1655th spacecraft. Type: Missile early warning Sponsor: U.S. Air Force Launch: 1st March 1972 at 9h39 UTC, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base's LC-40, by a Titan 3C (23C-4). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ; DSP, A Pictorial ;

Pioneer 10 Spacecraft:  Pioneer F Numbers: 1972 payload #14 ; 1972-012A ; 1657th spacecraft. Type: Outer planet probe Sponsor: NASA Launch: 3 March 1972 at 1h49 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-36A, by an Atlas-Centaur (Atlas SLV-3C AC-27 / Centaur D-1A 5007C). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: The last transmission received from Pioneer 10 occured on 22 January 2003. The signal, which  took 11 hours and 20 minutes to reach Earth, was very faint with no telemetry received. . NASA's Deep Space Network did not detect a signal during the final contact attempt on 7 February 2003. The last time a Pioneer 10 contact returned telemetry data was on 27 April 2002. The probe was at 82 AU, or 12.3 billion km from Earth and was headed in the direction of the star Aldebaran, 68 light-years away. It would reach the vicinity of the red giant star in about two million years. Notes: On 23 April 1965, TRW proposed to NASA a design for a Deep Space Planetary Probe System to be used in a flyby of Jupiter, Saturn, or Pluto. The spacecraft would consist of a large dish antenna, possibly as large as 5 metres in diameter, which would telemeter data back to Earth. The spacecraft could be boosted by either Atlas-Centaur or Saturn IB-Centaur with upper-stage assist from available solid rockets or from the Poodle. a low-thrust radioisotope rocket engine. Flyby missions for the probe could be made in 1970 to Jupiter. tu Saturn in 1972, and ultimately to Pluto. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; Astronautics and Aeronautics 1965, p. 197 ; Encyclopedia Astronautica's 22 Jan 03 ;

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Interkosmos 6 Spacecraft:  Energiya No. 1 Numbers: 1972 payload #32 ; 1972-027A ; 1675th spacecraft. Type: Earth upper atmosphere studies Sponsor: Soviet Union + East European countries Launch: 7 April 1972 at 10h00 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-31, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 485 Spacecraft:  DS-P1-Yu No. 58 Numbers: 1972 payload #33 ; 1972-028A ; 1676th spacecraft. Type: Military technologies Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 11 April 1972 at 11h05 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-133/1, by a Kosmos B-1 (11K63). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Prognoz 1 Spacecraft:  SO-M No. 501 Numbers: 1972 payload #34 ; 1972-029A ; 1677th spacecraft. Type: Earth-space studies Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 14 April 1972 at 0h57 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-31, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78M / SOL). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 486 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4M Numbers: 1972 payload #35 ; 1972-030A ; 1778th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 14 April 1972 at 8h09 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/3, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Apollo 16 Casper Spacecraft:  Apollo CM-113 / Casper Numbers: 1972 payload #36 ; 1972-031A ; 1679th spacecraft. Type: Piloted spacecraft Sponsor: NASA Launch: 16 April 1972 at 17h54 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-39A, by a Saturn V (SA-511). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Apollo 16 Orion Spacecraft:  LM 11 / Orion Numbers: 1972 payload #37 ; 1972-031C ; 1680th spacecraft. Type: Piloted spacecraft Sponsor: NASA Launch: 16 April 1972 at 17h54 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-39A, by a Saturn V (SA-511). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Lunar Rover (LRV-2) Spacecraft:  Lunar Roving Vehicle Numbers: 1972 payload #38 ; n/a ; 1681st spacecraft. Type: Lunar vehicle Sponsor: NASA Launch: 16 April 1972 at 17h54 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-39A, by a Saturn V (SA-511). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Apollo 16 Subsatellite Spacecraft:  Numbers: 1972 payload #39 ; 1972-031D ; 1682nd spacecraft. Type: Lunar studies Sponsor: NASA Launch: 16 April 1972 at 17h54 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-39A, by a Saturn V (SA-511). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Discoverer 138  / CORONA 1116 / KH-4B Spacecraft:  OPS 5640 Numbers: 1972 payload #40 ; 1972-032A ; 1683rd spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 19 April 1972 at 21h44 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-3W, by a Thor-Agena D (Thorad 2L 569 / Agena D 1661). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 487 Spacecraft:  DS-P1-Yu No. 57 Numbers: 1972 payload #41 ; 1972-033A ; 1684th spacecraft. Type: Military technologies Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 21 April 1972 at 12h00 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-133/1, by a Kosmos B-1 (11K63). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos Spacecraft:  DS-P1-Yu No. 51 Numbers: 1972 payload #42 ; 1972 2nd loss ; 1685th spacecraft. Type: Military technologies Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 25 April 1972 at 11h29 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-133/1, by a Kosmos B-1 (11K63). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 488 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4MK Numbers: 1972 payload #43 ; 1972-034A ; 1686th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 5 May 1972 at 11h31 UTC, from Plesetsk, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 489 Spacecraft:  Tsiklon Numbers: 1972 payload #44 ; 1972-035A ; 1687th spacecraft. Type: Navigation Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 6 May 1972 at 11h16 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 490 Spacecraft:  Zenit-2M Numbers: 1972 payload #45 ; 1972-036A ; 1688th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 17 May 1972 at 10h19 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/3, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Nauka Spacecraft:  [Nauka #11] Numbers: 1972 payload #46 ; 1972-036D ; 1689th spacecraft. Type: Science & technology Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 21 March 1968 at 9h50 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's Master Catalog ; TRW Space Log ;

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Molniya 2-2 Spacecraft:  Molniya 2B Numbers: 1972 payload #47 ; 1972-037A ; 1690th spacecraft. Type: Communications Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 19 May 1972 at 14h38 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/4, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Titan Samos 35 / KH-8 35 GAMBIT Spacecraft:  OPS 6574 Numbers: 1972 payload #48 ; 1972 3rd loss ; 1691st spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 20 May 1972 at 15h30 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-4W, by a Titan 3B (3B-35 (24B-4?) / Agena D). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 491 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4M Numbers: 1972 payload #49 ; 1972-038A ; 1692nd spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 25 May 1972 at 6h43 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-31, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Discoverer 139 / CORONA 1117 / KH-4B Spacecraft:  OPS 6371 Numbers: 1972 payload #50 ; 1972-039A ; 1693rd spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 25 May 1972 at 18h41 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-3W, by a Thor-Agena D (Thorad 2L 571 / Agena D 1663). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 492 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4M Numbers: 1972 payload #51 ; 1972-040A ; 1694th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 9 June 1972 at 7h12 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-31, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Intelsat 4D Spacecraft:  Intelsat IV F5 Numbers: 1972 payload #52 ; 1972-041A ; 1695th spacecraft. Type: Communications Sponsor: Intelsat Launch: 13 June 1972 at 21h59 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-36B, by a Atlas-Centaur (Atlas SLV-3C AC-29 / Centaur D-1A 5009C). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 493 Spacecraft:  Zenit-2M Numbers: 1972 payload #53 ; 1972-042A ; 1696th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 21 June 1972 at 6h28 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-31, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 494 Spacecraft:  Strela-2 Numbers: 1972 payload #54 ; 1972-043A ; 1697th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 23 June 1972 at 9h21 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 495 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4M Numbers: 1972 payload #55 ; 1972-044A ; 1698th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 23 June 1972 at 11h31 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/3, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 496 Spacecraft:  Soyuz 7K-T No. 33L Numbers: 1972 payload #56 ; 1972-045A ; 1699th spacecraft. Type: Piloted spacecraft test Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau) Launch: 26 June 1972 at 14h53 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmdorome's LC-1, by an A-2/Soyuz (11A511). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Prognoz 2 Spacecraft: SO-M Numbers: 1972 payload #57 ; 1972-046A ; 1700th spacecraft. Type: Earth-space studies Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 29 June 1972 at 3h47 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-31, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78M / SOL). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Interkosmos 7 Spacecraft:  DS-U3-IK No. 3 Numbers: 1972 payload #58 ; 1972-047A ; 1701st spacecraft. Type: Earth/space studies (civil) Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 30 June 1972 at 5h59 UTC, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's LC-86/4, by a Kosmos B-1 (11K63). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 497 Spacecraft:  DS-P1-I No. 12 Numbers: 1972 payload #59 ; 1972-048A ; 1702nd spacecraft. Type: Antimissile technologies Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 30 June 1972 at 9h20 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-133/1, by a Kosmos B-1 (11K63). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Meteor 1-12 Spacecraft:  Meteor-MV Numbers: 1972 payload #60 ; 1972-049A ; 1703rd spacecraft. Type: Meteorology Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 30 June 1972 at 18h:57 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-41/1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 498 Spacecraft:  DS-P1-Yu No. 56 Numbers: 1972 payload #61 ; 1972-050A ; 1704th spacecraft. Type: Military technologies Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 5 July 1972 at 9h30 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-133/1, by a Kosmos B-1 (11K63). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 499 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4M Numbers: 1972 payload #62 ; 1972-051A ; 1705th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 6 July 1972 at 10h48 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-31, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Big Bird 3 / KH-9 3 HEXAGON Spacecraft:  OPS 7293 Numbers: 1972 payload #63 ; 1972-052A ; 1706th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 7 July 1972 at 17h46 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-4E, by a Titan 3D (23D-5). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Hitchhiker 31 Spacecraft:  OPS 7803 / SS B 23 Numbers: 1972 payload #64 ; 1972-052C ; 1707th spacecraft. Type: Electronic intelligence Sponsor: U.S. Air Force Launch: 7 July 1972 at 17h46 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-4E, by a Titan 3D (23D-5). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 500 Spacecraft:  Tselina-O Numbers: 1972 payload #65 ; 1972-053A ; 1708th spacecraft. Type: Electronic intelligence Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 10 July 1972 at 16h19 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 501 Spacecraft:  DS-P1-Yu No. 50 Numbers: 1972 payload #66 ; 1972-054A ; 1709th spacecraft. Type: Military technologies Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 12 July 1972 at 6h00 UTC, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's LC-86/4, by a Kosmos B-1 (11K63). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 502 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4MT (Orion) Numbers: 1972 payload #67 ; 1972-055A ; 1710th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 13 July 1972 at 14h38 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's 43/4, by an A-2/Soyuz (11A511M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 503 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4M Numbers: 1972 payload #68 ; 1972-056A ; 1711th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 19 July 1972 at 13h55 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/3, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 504 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #69 ; 1972-057A ; 1712th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 20 July 1972 at 18h00 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 505 Spacecraft:  Stela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #70 ; 1972-057B ; 1713th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 20 July 1972 at 18h00 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 506 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #71 ; 1972-057C ; 1714th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 20 July 1972 at 18h00 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 507 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #72 ; 1972-057D ; 1715th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 20 July 1972 at 18h00 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 508 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #73 ; 1972-057E ; 1716th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 20 July 1972 at 18h00 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 509 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #74 ; 1972-057F ; 1717th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 20 July 1972 at 18h00 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 510 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #75 ; 1972-057G ; 1718th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 20 July 1972 at 18h00 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 511 Spacecraft: Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #76 ; 1972-057H ; 1719th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 20 July 1972 at 18h00 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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ERTS 1 / Landsat 1 Spacecraft:  ERTS A Numbers: 1972 payload #77 ; 1972-058A ; 1720th spacecraft. Type: Earth remote sensing Sponsor: NASA Launch: 23 July 1972 at 18h06 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Bas's SLC-2W, by a Delta 900 (Delta 0900 574 / Delta 89). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Notes: On 18 May 1971, NASA announced award of $61.6-million, cost-plus-award-fee contract to General Electric Co. for hardware development of Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) system. Under provisions of award - which definitized July 27, 1970, letter contract - GE would develop two flight spacecraft (ERTS-A and ERTS-B) , provide equipment and services needed for GSFC ground data-handling system, and develop spacecraft receiver and six ground platforms for remote-site data-coIIection-system experiment.      On 22 May 1975, the Delta upper stage's residual propellants leaked together and had a party causing the rocket stage to explode into hundreds of debris objects. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan Space Report No. 540 ;; Astronautics And Aeronautics, 1971, p. 135 ;

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Kosmos 512 Spacecraft:  Zenit-2M Numbers: 1972 payload #78 ; 1972-059A ; 1721st spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 28 July 1972 at 10h19 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/4, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Salyut Spacecraft:  DOS 2 / 17K No. 122 Numbers: 1972 payload #79 ; 1972 4th loss; 1722nd spacecraft. Type: Piloted space station Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau) Launch: 29 July 1972 at 3h20 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-81L, by a D-1/Proton-K (8K82K 260-01). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan Space Report No. 430 ;

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Kosmos 513 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4M Numbers: 1972 payload #80 ; 1972-060A ; 1723nd spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 1st August 1972 at 8h24 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-31, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Explorer 46 / MTC Spacecraft:  Meteoroid Technology Satellite / METEC Numbers: 1972 payload #81 ; 1972-061A ; 1724th spacecraft. Type: Technology Sponsor: NASA Launch: 13 August 1972 at 15h10 UTC, from Wallops Island's LA-3, by a Scout D-1 (S184C). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 514 Spacecraft:  Tsiklon GVM Numbers: 1972 payload #82 ; 1972-062A ; 1725th spacecraft. Type: Navigation Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 16 August 1972 at 15h21 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M Yu149-38). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 515 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4MK Numbers: 1972 payload #83 ; 1972-063A ; 1726th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 18 August 1972 at 10h04 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/4, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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REXS / Denpa Spacecraft:  Numbers: 1972 payload #84 ; 1972-064A ; 1727th spacecraft. Type: Earth upper atmosphere studies Sponsor: Japan's ISAS Launch: 19 August 1972 at 2h40 UTC, from  Kagoshima Space Center's M, by a Mu-4S (M-4S-4). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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OAO 3 Copernicus  Spacecraft:  OAO-C / Orbiting Astronomical Observatory 3 Numbers: 1972 payload #85 ; 1972-065A ; 1728th spacecraft. Type: Astronomy Sponsor: NASA Launch: 21 August 1972 at 10h28 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-36B, by a Atlas-Centaur (Atlas SLV-3C AC-22 / Centaur D-1A 5004C). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Notes: On 16 June 1964, NASA ordered a third OAO (Orbiting Astronomical Observatory) and took an option on two more, from Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp., prime contractor for the current OAO program. If only one satellite were purchased, the contract would be more than $20 million, and if all three were purchased the contract would total more than $50 million.  Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautics and Aeronautics, 1964, p. 215 ;

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Kosmos 516 Spacecraft:  US-A Numbers: 1972 payload #86 ; 1972-066A ; 1729th spacecraft. Type: Ocean surveillance ("RORSAT") Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 21 August 1972 at 10h33 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-90, by a F-1/Tsyklon 2. Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 517 Spacecraft:  Zenit-2M Numbers: 1972 payload #87 ; 1972-067A ; 1730th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 30 August 1972 at 8h24 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-31, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Titan Samos 36 / KH-8 36 GAMBIT Spacecraft:  OPS 8888 Numbers: 1972 payload #88 ; 1972-068A ; 1731st spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 1st September 1972 at 17h44 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-4W, by a Titan 3B (3B-39 (24B-5?) / Agena D). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos Spacecraft:  Zenit-4M Numbers: 1972 payload #89 ; 1972 5th loss ; 1732nd spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 2 September 1972, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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TIP / TRIAD 1 / Triad OI-1X Spacecraft:  Triad INS 1 / TRIAD A Numbers: 1972 payload #90 ; 1972-069A ; 1733rd spacecraft. Type: Navigation Sponsor: U.S. Air Force Launch: 2 September 1972 at 17h50 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-5, by a Scout B-1 (S182C). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 518 Spacecraft:  Zenit-2M Numbers: 1972 payload #91 ; 1972-070A ; 1734th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 15 September 1972 at 9h36 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/4, by an  A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Nauka Spacecraft:  [Nauka #12] Numbers: 1972 payload #92 ; 1972-070C ; 1735th spacecraft. Type: Science & technology Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 15 September 1972 at 9h36 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/4, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's Master Catalog ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 519 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4M Numbers: 1972 payload #93 ; 1972-071A ; 1736th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 16 September 1972 at 8h24 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-31, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 520 Spacecraft:  Oko Numbers: 1972 payload #94 ; 1972-072A ; 1737th spacecraft. Type: Missible early warning Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 19 September 1972 at 19h19 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-41/1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Explorer 47 / IMP 7 Spacecraft:  IMP H Numbers: 1972 payload #95 ; 1972-073A ; 1738th spacecraft. Type: Space environment studies Sponsor: NASA Launch: 23 September 1972 at 1h20 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-17B, by a Delta 1914 (Delta 1604 579 / Delta 90). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 521 Spacecraft:  DS-P1-M No. 4 Numbers: 1972 payload #96 ; 1972-074A ; 1739th spacecraft. Type: Antisatellite technologies Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 29 September 1972 at 20h19 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132/2, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M Yu47121-11). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Molniya 2-3 Spacecraft:  Molniya 2C Numbers: 1972 payload #97 ; 1972-075A ; 1740th spacecraft. Type: Communications Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 30 September 1972 at 20h24 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-41/1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Radcat Spacecraft:  Numbers: 1972 payload #98 ; 1972-076A ; 1741st spacecraft. Type: Radar calibration Sponsor: U.S. Air Force Launch: 2 October 1972 at 20h09 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's BMRSA-1, by an Atlas F (Atlas F / Burner-2). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Radcat Spacecraft:  P72-1 Numbers: 1972 payload #99 ; 1972-076B ; 1742nd spacecraft. Type: Radar calibration Sponsor: U.S. Air Force Launch: 2 October 1972 at 20h09 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's BMRSA-1, by an Atlas F (Atlas F / Burner-2). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 522 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4M Numbers: 1972 payload #100 ; 1972-077A ; 1743rd spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 4 October 1972 at 12h00 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-41/1, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 523 Spacecraft:  DS-P1-Yu No. 63 Numbers: 1972 payload #101 ; 1972-078A ; 1744th spacecraft. Type: Military technologies Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 5 October 1972 at 11h30 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-133/1, by a Kosmos B-1 (11K63). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Big Bird 4 / KH-9 4 HEXAGON Spacecraft:  OPS 8314 Numbers: 1972 payload #102 ; 1972-079A ; 1745th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 10 October 1972 at 18h03 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-4E, by a Titan 3D (23D-3). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Hitchhiker 32 Spacecraft:  OPS 8314/2 / SS C 3 Numbers: 1972 payload #103 ; 1972-079C ; 1746th spacecraft. Type: Electronic intelligence Sponsor: U.S. Air Force Launch: 10 October 1972 at 18h03 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-4E, by a Titan 3D (23D-3). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 524 Spacecraft:  DS-P1-Yu No. 49 Numbers: 1972 payload #104 ; 1972-080A ; 1747th spacecraft. Type: Military technologies Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 11 October 1972 at 13h20 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-133/1, by a Kosmos B-1 (11K63). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Molniya 1-21 Spacecraft:  Molniya 1W Numbers: 1972 payload #105 ; 1972-081A ; 1748th spacecraft. Type: Communications Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 14 October 1972 at 6h14 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-41/1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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NOAA 2 Spacecraft:  ITOS D Numbers: 1972 payload #106 ; 1972-082A ; 1749th spacecraft. Type: Meteorology Sponsor: NOAA Launch: 15 October 1972 at 17h19 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-2W, by a Delta 100 (Delta 0300 575 / Delta 91). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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AMSAT-OSCAR 6 (AO-6) Spacecraft:  Orbiting Satellites Carrying Amateur Radio Numbers: 1972 payload #107 ; 1972-082B ; 1750th spacecraft. Type: Radio-amateur communications Sponsor: AMSAT/ Amateur Satellite Corporation  Launch: 15 October 1972 at 17h19 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-2W, by a Delta 100 (Delta 0300 575 / Delta 91). Orbit: 1,450 km x 1,459 km x 101.7°  Decayed: Mission: AMSAT-OSCAR 6 was the first phase 2 satellite (Phase II-A). Firsts satellite-to-satellite relay communication via AO-7, it also demonstrated doppler-location of ground station for search and rescue and low-cost medical data relay from remote locations. It provided store-and-forward morse and teletype messages (named Codestore) for later transmission. AO-6 lasted 4.5 years until a battery failure ceased operation on 21 June 1977. It weights 16 kg and was box-shaped (430 x 300 x 150 mm). Subsystems were built in the United States, Australia, and Germany.  Source: A Brief History of Amateur Satellites ; Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos Spacecraft:  Strela-2 Numbers: 1972 payload #108 ; 1972 6th loss ; 1751st spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 17 October 1972, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 525 Spacecraft:  Zenit-2M Numbers: 1972 payload #109 ; 1972-083A ; 1752nd spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 18 October 1972 at 12h00 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/4, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Nauka Spacecraft:  [Nauka #13] Numbers: 1972 payload #110 ; 1972-083C ; 1753rd spacecraft. Type: Science & technology Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 18 March 1968 at 9h50 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's Master Catalog ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 526 Spacecraft:  DS-P1-Yu No. 61 Numbers: 1972 payload #111 ; 1972-084A ; 1754th spacecraft. Type: Military technologies Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 25 October 1972 at 10h40 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-133/1, by a Kosmos B-1 (11K63). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Meteor 1-13 Spacecraft:  Meteor-MV Numbers: 1972 payload #112 ; 1972-085A ; 1755th spacecraft. Type: Meteorology Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 27 October 1972 at 22h04 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/4, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 527 Spacecraft: Zenit-4MK Numbers: 1972 payload #113 ; 1972-086A ; 1756st spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 31 October 1972 at 13h40 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/4, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 528 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #114 ; 1972-087A ; 1757th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 1st November 1972 at 1h55 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M Yu149-46). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 529 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #115 ; 1972-087B ; 1758th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 1st November 1972 at 1h55 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M Yu149-46). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 530 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #116 ; 1972-087C ; 1759th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 1st November 1972 at 1h55 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M Yu149-46). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 531 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #117 ; 1972-087D ; 1760th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 1st November 1972 at 1h55 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M Yu149-46). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 532 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #118 ; 1972-087E ; 1761st spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 1st November 1972 at 1h55 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M Yu149-46). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 533 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #119 ; 1972-087F ; 1762nd spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 1st November 1972 at 1h55 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M Yu149-46). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 534 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #120 ; 1972-087G ; 1763rd spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 1st November 1972 at 1h55 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M Yu149-46). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 535 Spacecraft:  Strela-1M Numbers: 1972 payload #121 ; 1972-087H ; 1764th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 1st November 1972 at 1h55 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M Yu149-46). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 536 Spacecraft:  Tselina-O Numbers: 1972 payload #122 ; 1972-088A ; 1765th spacecraft. Type: Electronic intelligence Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 3 November 1972 at 1h40 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M Yu47121-1U). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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DMSP 3 / DMSP-Block-5B F3 Spacecraft:  DMSP 6530 / Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Numbers: 1972 payload #123 ; 1972-089A ; 1766th spacecraft. Type: Meteorology Sponsor: U.S. Air Force Source : A, Parsch Launch: 9 November 1972 at 3h23 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-10W, by a Thor-Burner 2A (294). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Telesat 1 / Anik 1 Spacecraft:  Telesat A / Anik A-1 Numbers: 1972 payload #124 ; 1972-090A ; 1767th spacecraft. Type: Communications (multi-services) Sponsor: Telesat Canada Source : Boeing Launch: 10 November 1972 at 1h14 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-17B, by a Delta 1914 (Delta 1914 580 / Delta 92). Orbit: Geostationary Mission: The Anik A satellites represent the first generation of synchronous orbit communications satellites developed by Hughes Aircraft Company (Hughes 333) for individual nations to use within their territorial boundaries. Three Anik A satellites were built for Telesat Canada, a corporation created in 1969 by the Canadian Parliament to establish and operate a domestic satellite communications system within Canada. Designed to operate for 7 years, each retired after serving nearly 10 years.      Each spacecraft was equipped with 12 transponders and had a capacity of 7000 telephone circuits or 12 color television channels. Anik A showcased a new antenna technology: the shaped beam. Earlier communications satellites broadcast their signals to the entire globe, but the signal beam on Anik A was shaped only to cover Canada, the second largest country in the world. The beam covered St. John's, Newfoundland on the east to beyond Vancouver and the Alaskan border on the west, and from the U.S. border north to such remote communities as Resolute and Igloolik above the Arctic Circle.  In orbit, Anik's antenna remained stationary and pointed toward earth as its cylindrical solar array spun at 100 revolutions per minute to provide gyroscopic stability and thermal control. The cylindrical body of the satellite, which is 1.9 meters in diameter and 1.52 meters high. The solar cells provided about 300 watts dc power. The overall height of the satellite is 3.41 meters. Spacecraft weight at liftoff was 1250 pounds. (Source: Boeing Co.) Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ; Boeing's Anik A ;

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Explorer 48 / SAS 2 Spacecraft:  SAS B Numbers: 1972 payload #125 ; 1972-091A ; 1768th spacecraft. Type: Astronomy Sponsor: NASA Launch: 15 November 1972 at 22h13 UTC, from San Marco platform, by a Scout D-1 (S170CR). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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ESRO 4 Spacecraft:  Numbers: 1972 payload #126 ; 1972-092A ; 1769th spacecraft. Type: Technology Sponsor: Europe's ESRO Launch: 22 November 1972 at 0h17 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-5, by a Scout D-1 (S185C). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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N-1 test (Mockup LK)  Spacecraft:  Numbers: 1972 payload #127 ; 1972 7th loss ; 1770th spacecraft. Type: Technology Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau) Launch: 23 November 1972 at 6h11 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-110L, by a N1 (11A52 7L). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 537 Spacecraft:  Zenit-2M Numbers: 1972 payload #128 ; 1972-093A ; 1771st spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 25 November 1972 at 9h07 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-31, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Interkosmos 8 Spacecraft:  DS-U1-IK No. 2 Numbers: 1972 payload #129 ; 1972-094A ; 1772nd spacecraft. Type: Earth upper atmosphere studies (civil) Sponsor: Soviet Union + East European countries Launch: 1st December 1972 at 21h50 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-133/1, by a Kosmos B-1 (11K63). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Molniya 1-22 Spacecraft:  Molniya 1X Numbers: 1972 payload #130 ; 1972-095A ; 1773rd spacecraft. Type: Communications Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 2 December 1972 at 4h48 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Apollo 17 America Spacecraft:  Apollo CM-114 / America Numbers: 1972 payload #131 ; 1972-096A ; 1774th spacecraft. Type: Piloted spacecraft Sponsor: NASA Launch: 7 December 1972 at 5h33 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-39A, by a Saturn V (SA-512). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Apollo 17 Challenger Spacecraft:  LM 12 / Challenger Numbers: 1972 payload #132 ; 1972-096C ; 1775th spacecraft. Type: Piloted spacecraft Sponsor: NASA Launch: 7 December 1972 at 5h33 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-39A, by a Saturn V (SA-512). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Lunar rover (LRV-3) Spacecraft:  Lunar Roving Vehicle Numbers: 1972 payload #133 ; n/a ; 1776th spacecraft. Type: Lunar vehicle Sponsor: NASA Launch: 7 December 1972 at 5h33 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-39A, by a Saturn V (SA-512). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Nimbus 5 Spacecraft:  Nimbus E Numbers: 1972 payload #134 ; 1972-097A ; 1777th spacecraft. Type: Meteorology Sponsor: NASA Launch: 11 December 1972 at 7h56 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-2W, by a Delta 100 (Delta 0900 577 / Delta 93). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Molniya 2-4 Spacecraft:  Molniya 2D Numbers: 1972 payload #135 ; 1972-098A ; 1778th spacecraft. Type: Communications Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 12 December 1972 at 6h57 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-41/1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 538 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4M Numbers: 1972 payload #136 ; 1972-099A ; 1779th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 4 December 1972 at 13h55 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/4, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Aeros 1 / GRS-B Spacecraft:  Numbers: 1972 payload #137 ; 1972-100A ; 1780th spacecraft. Type: Earth upper atmosphere studies Sponsor: West Germany Launch: 16 December 1972 at 11h24 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-5, by a Scout D-1 (S181C). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Note: On 19 July 1965, NASA and the Federal German Ministry for Scientific Research (BMwF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in a program of space research on the Earth‘s radiation belts. First phase of the program would consist of sounding rocket launchings and balloon flights to test instrumentation for German experiments. Following successful completion, the second phase would attempt to place a German scientific satellite in polar orbit by 1968. The satellite, to be designed and constructed in Germany, wouid be iauncheci irom the Western Test Range on a Scout vehicle provided by NASA. No exchange of funds between the two organizations was contemplated. Results of the experiments would be made available to the world scientific community. Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; Astronautics and Aeronautics 1965, p. 339 ; TRW Space Log ;

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CANYON 5 Spacecraft:  Program 827's AFP-827 F5 (7505) Numbers: 1972 payload #138 ; 1972-101A ; 1781st spacecraft. Type: Signals intelligence Sponsor: United States' NRO / National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 20 December 1972 at 21h20 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-13, by an Atlas-Agena D (Atlas SLV-3A 5204A / Agena D A 2805). Orbit: Geostationary Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan Space Report No. 501 ;

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Kosmos 539 Spacecraft: Sfera Numbers: 1972 payload #139 ; 1972-102A ; 1782nd spacecraft. Type: Geodesy Sponsor: Soviet Union Launch: 21 December 1972 at 1h55 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M Yu149-43). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Titan Samos 37 / KH-8 37 GAMBIT Spacecraft:  OPS 3978 Numbers: 1972 payload #140 ; 1972-103A ; 1783rd spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Launch: 21 December 1972 at 17h45 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-4W, by a Titan 3B (3B-40 (24B-6) / Agena D). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 540 Spacecraft:  Strela-2 Numbers: 1972 payload #141 ; 1972-104A ; 1784th spacecraft. Type: Communications (store/dump) Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 26 December 1972 at 23h02 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-132, by a Kosmos C-1 (11K65M 53724-113). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 541 Spacecraft:  Zenit-4MT (Orion) Numbers: 1972 payload #142 ; 1972-105A ; 1785th spacecraft. Type: Reconnaissance Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 27 December 1972 at 10h33 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-41/1, by an A-2/Soyuz (11A511M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;

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Kosmos 542 Spacecraft:  Tselina-D Numbers: 1972 payload #143 ; 1972-106A ; 1786th spacecraft. Type: Electronic intelligence Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry Launch: 28 December 1972 at 11h02 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC-43/4, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92M). Orbit: Decayed: Mission: Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ; TRW Space Log ;