Almaz Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The Almaz bus accounts for 13 cataloged objects, of which 2 are in orbit and 2 are active. 11 have reentered. Most are built by ZIKH. The largest operator on this bus is NPOE. The first launched in 1971, the most recent in 2021.
2
In orbit
2
Active
13
Total launched
11
Reentered
Almaz launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Almaz satellites.
| Manufacturer | ZIKH |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Radar satellite (modified crewed spacecraft) |
| Launch mass | 18500 kg |
| Dry mass | 18500 kg |
| Length | 13.1 m |
| Diameter | 4.2 m |
| Span | 13.1 m |
| Shape | Step Cyl + 2 Pan |
| Power | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | KTDU-66 |
| Design life | 2.5 years (planned); 2 years reached (#1870); 1.5 years reached (#1) |
| Equipment | S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) (#all); radiometric scanner system (RMS) (A #1) |
| Typical orbit | 93 min period, 52° inclination |
Top operators
NPOE 4 TSKBM 3 RKKE 2 TSKBEM 2 ZIKH 2
Top countries
SU 11 RU 2
Almaz satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISS (NAUKA) Nauka | 49044 | 2021-066A | RKKE | Jul 21, 2021 | 93 min, 51.6° | Active | ◉ |
| ISS (ZVEZDA) Zvezda | 26400 | 2000-037A | RKKE | Jul 12, 2000 | 93 min, 51.6° | Active | ◉ |
| ALMAZ 1 Almaz-1 | 21213 | 1991-024A | ZIKH | Mar 31, 1991 | 91 min, 72.6° | Reentered | ◉ |
| COSMOS 1870 Kosmos-1870 | 18225 | 1987-064A | ZIKH | Jul 25, 1987 | 89 min, 71.9° | Reentered | ◉ |
| MIR Mir | 16609 | 1986-017A | NPOE | Feb 19, 1986 | 88 min, 51.6° | Reentered | ◉ |
| SALYUT 7 Salyut-7 | 13138 | 1982-033A | NPOE | Apr 19, 1982 | 87 min, 51.6° | Reentered | ◉ |
| SALYUT 6 Salyut-6 | 10382 | 1977-097A | NPOE | Sep 29, 1977 | 90 min, 51.6° | Reentered | ◉ |
| SALYUT 5 Salyut-5 | 08911 | 1976-057A | TSKBM | Jun 22, 1976 | 88 min, 51.6° | Reentered | ◉ |
| SALYUT 4 Salyut-4 | 07591 | 1974-104A | NPOE | Dec 26, 1974 | 88 min, 51.6° | Reentered | ◉ |
| SALYUT 3 Salyut-3 | 07342 | 1974-046A | TSKBM | Jun 24, 1974 | 89 min, 51.6° | Reentered | ◉ |
| COSMOS 557 Kosmos-557 | 06498 | 1973-026A | TSKBEM | May 11, 1973 | 88 min, 51.6° | Reentered | ◉ |
| SALYUT 2 Salyut-2 | 06398 | 1973-017A | TSKBM | Apr 3, 1973 | 88 min, 51.6° | Reentered | ◉ |
| SALYUT 1 Salyut | 05160 | 1971-032A | TSKBEM | Apr 19, 1971 | 88 min, 51.6° | Reentered | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Almaz satellites are there?
The catalog lists 13 objects built on the Almaz bus. 2 are in orbit and 11 have reentered.
How many Almaz satellites are in orbit?
2 Almaz objects are currently in orbit, of which 2 carry an active status.
Who builds the Almaz bus?
The Almaz bus is most commonly built by ZIKH.
When did the first Almaz satellite launch?
The first cataloged Almaz satellite launched in 1971, and the most recent in 2021.