CAT Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The CAT bus accounts for 3 cataloged objects, of which 2 are in orbit and 0 are active. 1 have reentered. Most are built by AERIT/CNEST. The largest operator on this bus is European Space Agency. The first launched in 1979, the most recent in 1981.

2
In orbit
0
Active
3
Total launched
1
Reentered

CAT launched per year

1 2 1979: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 1980: 0 objects launched 1981: 2 objects launched 1979 1980 1981
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged CAT satellites.

Manufacturer AERIT/CNEST
Purpose Vehicle evaluation
Launch mass 1602 kg
Dry mass 1602 kg
Length 2.5 m
Diameter 1.1 m
Span 1.2 m
Shape Cyl
Power Batteries
Propulsion None
Design life 6 days
Typical orbit 319 min period, 10° inclination

Top operators

Top countries

I-ESA 3

CAT satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
CAT 4 CAT 04/Thesee 13011 1981-122B ESA Dec 20, 1981 436 min, 10.5° Inactive
CAT 3 CAT 03 12546 1981-057C ESA Jun 19, 1981 319 min, 10.2° Inactive
CAT 1 CAT 01 11645 1979-104A ESA Dec 24, 1979 93 min, 17.7° Reentered

Frequently asked questions

How many CAT satellites are there?

The catalog lists 3 objects built on the CAT bus. 2 are in orbit and 1 have reentered.

How many CAT satellites are in orbit?

2 CAT objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.

Who builds the CAT bus?

The CAT bus is most commonly built by AERIT/CNEST.

When did the first CAT satellite launch?

The first cataloged CAT satellite launched in 1979, and the most recent in 1981.

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