IC Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The IC bus accounts for 14 cataloged objects, of which 14 are in orbit and 7 are active. Most are built by LMSS/NGAS. The largest operator on this bus is National Reconnaissance Office. The first launched in 1987, the most recent in 2022.

14
In orbit
7
Active
14
Total launched
0
Reentered

IC launched per year

1 2 1987: 1 object launched 1988: 1 object launched 1989: 0 objects launched 1990: 1 object launched 1991: 0 objects launched 1992: 1 object launched 1993: 0 objects launched 1994: 0 objects launched 1995: 1 object launched 1996: 1 object launched 1997: 0 objects launched 1998: 0 objects launched 1999: 0 objects launched 2000: 0 objects launched 2001: 1 object launched 2002: 0 objects launched 2003: 0 objects launched 2004: 0 objects launched 2005: 1 object launched 2006: 0 objects launched 2007: 0 objects launched 2008: 0 objects launched 2009: 0 objects launched 2010: 0 objects launched 2011: 1 object launched 2012: 0 objects launched 2013: 1 object launched 2014: 0 objects launched 2015: 0 objects launched 2016: 0 objects launched 2017: 0 objects launched 2018: 0 objects launched 2019: 1 object launched 2020: 0 objects launched 2021: 1 object launched 2022: 2 objects launched 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 2012 2017 2022
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged IC satellites.

Manufacturer LMSS/NGAS
Purpose Reconnaissance, electro-optical
Launch mass 14000 kg
Dry mass 10500 kg
Length 10 m
Diameter 3.1 m
Span 10 m
Shape Cyl + 2 Pan
Power Deployable solar arrays, batteries
Propulsion Bus-1
Design life + 7.5 years
Equipment ?
Typical orbit 97 min period, 0° inclination

Top operators

Top countries

US 14

IC satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
USA 338 USA 338 53883 2022-117A NROC Sep 24, 2022 · Active
USA 326 USA 326 51445 2022-009A NROC Feb 2, 2022 95 min, 97.4° Active
USA 314 USA 314 48247 2021-032A NROC Apr 26, 2021 98 min, 98.0° Active
USA 290 USA 290 43941 2019-004A NROC Jan 19, 2019 93 min, 73.6° Active
USA 245 USA 245 39232 2013-043A NROC Aug 28, 2013 97 min, 97.9° Active
USA 224 USA 224 37348 2011-002A NROC Jan 20, 2011 97 min, 97.9° Active
USA 186 USA 186 28888 2005-042A NROC Oct 19, 2005 92 min, 96.9° Active
USA 161 USA 161 26934 2001-044A NROC Oct 5, 2001 · Inactive
USA 129 USA 129 24680 1996-072A NROC Dec 20, 1996 · Inactive
USA 116 USA 116 23728 1995-066A NROC/CIA Dec 5, 1995 · Inactive
USA 86 USA 86 22251 1992-083A NRO/CIA Nov 28, 1992 · Inactive
USA 53 USA 53 20516 1990-019B NRO Feb 28, 1990 · Inactive
USA 33 USA 33 19625 1988-099A NRO/CIA Nov 6, 1988 · Inactive
USA 27 USA 27 18441 1987-090A NRO/CIA Oct 26, 1987 · Inactive

Frequently asked questions

How many IC satellites are there?

The catalog lists 14 objects built on the IC bus. 14 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.

How many IC satellites are in orbit?

14 IC objects are currently in orbit, of which 7 carry an active status.

Who builds the IC bus?

The IC bus is most commonly built by LMSS/NGAS.

When did the first IC satellite launch?

The first cataloged IC satellite launched in 1987, and the most recent in 2022.

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