ISS Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The ISS bus accounts for 3 cataloged objects, of which 2 are in orbit and 0 are active. 1 have reentered. Most are built by MELCO. The largest operator on this bus is JAXA. The first launched in 1975, the most recent in 1978.

2
In orbit
0
Active
3
Total launched
1
Reentered

ISS launched per year

1 1975: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 1976: 1 object launched 1977: 0 objects launched 1978: 1 object launched 1975 1976 1977 1978
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged ISS satellites.

Manufacturer MELCO
Purpose Research, Ionosphere
Launch mass 135 kg
Dry mass 135 kg
Length 0.8 m
Diameter 0.8 m
Span 36.8 m
Shape Cyl + 2 Ant
Power Solar cells, batteries
Typical orbit 105 min period, 69° inclination

Top operators

Top countries

J 2 IN 1

ISS satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
UME-2 (ISS-B) Ume-2 10674 1978-018A NASDA Feb 16, 1978 107 min, 69.4° Inactive
UME (ISS) Ume 08709 1976-019A NASDA Feb 29, 1976 105 min, 69.7° Inactive
ARYABHATA Aryabhata 07752 1975-033A ISRO Apr 19, 1975 87 min, 50.6° Reentered

Frequently asked questions

How many ISS satellites are there?

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

How many ISS satellites are in orbit?

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

Who builds the ISS bus?

The ISS bus is most commonly built by MELCO.

When did the first ISS satellite launch?

The first cataloged ISS satellite launched in 1975, and the most recent in 1978.

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