BD-3M/SAR Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The BD-3M/SAR bus accounts for 8 cataloged objects, of which 8 are in orbit and 8 are active. Most are built by CAST. The largest operator on this bus is CNSA. The first launched in 2018, the most recent in 2019.

8
In orbit
8
Active
8
Total launched
0
Reentered

BD-3M/SAR launched per year

2 4 6 2018: 6 objects launched 2019: 2 objects launched 2018 2019
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged BD-3M/SAR satellites.

Manufacturer CAST
Purpose Navigation
Launch mass 1014 kg
Dry mass 850 kg
Length 2.2 m
Diameter 1.7 m
Span 10 m
Shape Box + 2 Pan
Power 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
Design life 12 years
Equipment ?
Typical orbit 773 min period, 54° inclination

Top operators

CNSA 8

Top countries

CN 8

BD-3M/SAR satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
BEIDOU-3 M23 Beidou DW 47 44543 2019-061B CNSA Sep 22, 2019 773 min, 54.4° Active
BEIDOU-3 M24 Beidou DW 48 44542 2019-061A CNSA Sep 22, 2019 773 min, 54.4° Active
BEIDOU-3 M18 Beidou DW 43 43707 2018-093B CNSA Nov 18, 2018 773 min, 54.2° Active
BEIDOU-3 M17 Beidou DW 42 43706 2018-093A CNSA Nov 18, 2018 773 min, 54.2° Active
BEIDOU-3 M15 Beidou DW 39 43648 2018-078B CNSA Oct 15, 2018 773 min, 54.1° Active
BEIDOU-3 M16 Beidou DW 40 43647 2018-078A CNSA Oct 15, 2018 773 min, 54.1° Active
BEIDOU-3 M14 Beidou DW 38 43623 2018-072B CNSA Sep 19, 2018 773 min, 56.7° Active
BEIDOU-3 M13 Beidou DW 37 43622 2018-072A CNSA Sep 19, 2018 773 min, 56.7° Active

Frequently asked questions

How many BD-3M/SAR satellites are there?

The catalog lists 8 objects built on the BD-3M/SAR bus. 8 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.

How many BD-3M/SAR satellites are in orbit?

8 BD-3M/SAR objects are currently in orbit, of which 8 carry an active status.

Who builds the BD-3M/SAR bus?

The BD-3M/SAR bus is most commonly built by CAST.

When did the first BD-3M/SAR satellite launch?

The first cataloged BD-3M/SAR satellite launched in 2018, and the most recent in 2019.

Satellite data compiled by KeepTrack from CelesTrak, Space-Track, and GCAT, provided under CC BY-NC 4.0.