HS-GEM Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The HS-GEM bus accounts for 4 cataloged objects, of which 4 are in orbit and 2 are active. Most are built by BOES. The largest operator on this bus is THUR. The first launched in 2000, the most recent in 2010.

4
In orbit
2
Active
4
Total launched
0
Reentered

HS-GEM launched per year

1 2000: 1 object launched 2001: 0 objects launched 2002: 0 objects launched 2003: 1 object launched 2004: 0 objects launched 2005: 0 objects launched 2006: 0 objects launched 2007: 0 objects launched 2008: 1 object launched 2009: 0 objects launched 2010: 1 object launched 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged HS-GEM satellites.

Manufacturer BOES
Purpose Communication
Launch mass 5108 kg
Dry mass 4000 kg
Length 12.2 m
Diameter 17 m
Span 40.4 m
Shape Box + Dish + 2 Pan
Power 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
Propulsion R-4D-14-350
Design life 12 years
Equipment L-band 128 active elements, 17 W SSPAs C-band 2 active (2 spare)
Typical orbit 1436 min period, 5° inclination

Top operators

THUR 3 SKYTE 1

Top countries

UAE 2 AE 1 US 1

HS-GEM satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
SKYTERRA 1 SkyTerra 1 37218 2010-061A SKYTE Nov 14, 2010 1436 min, 5.2° Active
THURAYA-3 Thuraya 3 32404 2008-001A THUR Jan 15, 2008 1436 min, 6.0° Inactive
THURAYA-2 Thuraya 2 27825 2003-026A THUR Jun 10, 2003 1436 min, 8.9° Active
THURAYA-1 Thuraya 1 26578 2000-066A THUR Oct 21, 2000 1455 min, 9.9° Inactive

Frequently asked questions

How many HS-GEM satellites are there?

The catalog lists 4 objects built on the HS-GEM bus. 4 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.

How many HS-GEM satellites are in orbit?

4 HS-GEM objects are currently in orbit, of which 2 carry an active status.

Who builds the HS-GEM bus?

The HS-GEM bus is most commonly built by BOES.

When did the first HS-GEM satellite launch?

The first cataloged HS-GEM satellite launched in 2000, and the most recent in 2010.

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