FLTSATCOM Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The FLTSATCOM bus accounts for 7 cataloged objects, of which 7 are in orbit and 1 are active. Most are built by TRW. The largest operator on this bus is USNESC/AFSD. The first launched in 1978, the most recent in 1989.
7
In orbit
1
Active
7
Total launched
0
Reentered
FLTSATCOM launched per year
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged FLTSATCOM satellites.
| Manufacturer | TRW |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Communication |
| Launch mass | 942 kg |
| Dry mass | 822 kg |
| Length | 1.3 m |
| Diameter | 2.4 m |
| Span | 13.2 m |
| Shape | Hex Cyl + Dish + 2 Pan |
| Power | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | Star 37F |
| Design life | 12 years |
| Equipment | 12 transponders with UHF/SHF uplink and UHF downlink |
| Typical orbit | 1436 min period, 8° inclination |
Top operators
USNESC/AFSD 4 USNESC/SAMSO 2 SPAWAR 1
Top countries
US 7
FLTSATCOM satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLTSATCOM 8 (USA 46) FLTSATCOM F8 | 20253 | 1989-077A | SPAWAR | Sep 25, 1989 | 1436 min, 12.4° | Active | ◉ |
| FLTSATCOM 7 (USA 20) FLTSATCOM F7 | 17181 | 1986-096A | USNESC/AFSD | Dec 5, 1986 | 1456 min, 12.7° | Inactive | ◉ |
| FLTSATCOM 5 FLTSATCOM F5 | 12635 | 1981-073A | USNESC/AFSD | Aug 6, 1981 | 1460 min, 13.8° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 6394 (FLTSATCOM 4) FLTSATCOM F4 | 12046 | 1980-087A | USNESC/AFSD | Oct 31, 1980 | 1455 min, 7.9° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 6393 (FLTSATCOM 3) FLTSATCOM F3 | 11669 | 1980-004A | USNESC/AFSD | Jan 18, 1980 | 1438 min, 6.1° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 6392 (FLTSATCOM 2) FLTSATCOM F2 | 11353 | 1979-038A | USNESC/SAMSO | May 4, 1979 | 1461 min, 7.7° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 6391 (FLTSATCOM 1) FLTSATCOM F1 | 10669 | 1978-016A | USNESC/SAMSO | Feb 9, 1978 | 1454 min, 7.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many FLTSATCOM satellites are there?
The catalog lists 7 objects built on the FLTSATCOM bus. 7 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.
How many FLTSATCOM satellites are in orbit?
7 FLTSATCOM objects are currently in orbit, of which 1 carry an active status.
Who builds the FLTSATCOM bus?
The FLTSATCOM bus is most commonly built by TRW.
When did the first FLTSATCOM satellite launch?
The first cataloged FLTSATCOM satellite launched in 1978, and the most recent in 1989.