LES Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The LES bus accounts for 8 cataloged objects, of which 6 are in orbit and 0 are active. 2 have reentered. Most are built by MITLL. The largest operator on this bus is AFSSD. The first launched in 1965, the most recent in 1976.
6
In orbit
0
Active
8
Total launched
2
Reentered
LES launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged LES satellites.
| Manufacturer | MITLL |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Experimental communication |
| Launch mass | 420 kg |
| Dry mass | 366 kg |
| Length | 0.6 m |
| Diameter | 1.2 m |
| Span | 0.6 m |
| Shape | Cyl |
| Power | Solar cells |
| Propulsion | ? |
| Equipment | ? |
| Typical orbit | 1436 min period, 22° inclination |
Top operators
AFSSD 4 SAMSO 4
Top countries
US 8
LES satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LES-9 LES 9 | 08747 | 1976-023B | SAMSO | Mar 15, 1976 | 1436 min, 22.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| LES-8 LES 8 | 08746 | 1976-023A | SAMSO | Mar 15, 1976 | 1436 min, 22.5° | Inactive | ◉ |
| LES-6 LES 6 | 03431 | 1968-081D | SAMSO | Sep 26, 1968 | 1435 min, 1.6° | Inactive | ◉ |
| LES-5 LES 5 | 02866 | 1967-066E | SAMSO | Jul 1, 1967 | 1316 min, 2.7° | Inactive | ◉ |
| LES-3 LES 3 | 01941 | 1965-108D | AFSSD | Dec 21, 1965 | 118 min, 26.4° | Reentered | ◉ |
| LES-4 LES 4 | 01870 | 1965-108B | AFSSD | Dec 21, 1965 | 352 min, 26.4° | Reentered | ◉ |
| LES-2 LES 2 | 01360 | 1965-034B | AFSSD | May 6, 1965 | 310 min, 32.2° | Inactive | ◉ |
| LES-1 LES 1 | 01002 | 1965-008C | AFSSD | Feb 11, 1965 | 146 min, 32.1° | Inactive | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many LES satellites are there?
The catalog lists 8 objects built on the LES bus. 6 are in orbit and 2 have reentered.
How many LES satellites are in orbit?
6 LES objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the LES bus?
The LES bus is most commonly built by MITLL.
When did the first LES satellite launch?
The first cataloged LES satellite launched in 1965, and the most recent in 1976.