Mars Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The Mars bus accounts for 10 cataloged objects, of which 7 are in orbit and 1 are active. 3 have reentered. Most are built by NPOL. The largest operator on this bus is IKI/BABTS. The first launched in 1971, the most recent in 2020.
7
In orbit
1
Active
10
Total launched
3
Reentered
Mars launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Mars satellites.
| Manufacturer | NPOL |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Mars rover |
| Launch mass | 3440 kg |
| Dry mass | 1900 kg |
| Length | 4.1 m |
| Diameter | 2 m |
| Span | 5.9 m |
| Shape | Step Cyl + 2 Pan |
| Power | Solar cells (cruise stage); RTG (rover) |
| Propulsion | KTDU-425 |
| Design life | 1 year cruise, 2 years prime mission, still active |
| Equipment | see above |
| Typical orbit | 0° inclination |
Top operators
IKI/BABTS 7 NASA 3
Top countries
SU 7 US 3
Mars satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MARS 2020 Perseverance | 45983 | 2020-052A | JPL | Jul 30, 2020 | 1011 min, 32.2° | Reentered | ◉ |
| INSIGHT Mars InSight Lander | 43457 | 2018-042A | JPL | May 5, 2018 | · | Active | ◉ |
| MSL Curiosity | 37936 | 2011-070A | JPL | Nov 26, 2011 | 89 min, 28.9° | Reentered | ◉ |
| MARS 7 Mars-7 | 06776 | · | IKI/BABTS | Aug 9, 1973 | · | Inactive | ◉ |
| MARS 6 Mars-6 | 06768 | · | IKI/BABTS | Aug 5, 1973 | · | Inactive | ◉ |
| MARS 5 Mars-5 | 06754 | · | IKI/BABTS | Jul 25, 1973 | · | Inactive | ◉ |
| MARS 4 Mars-4 | 06742 | · | IKI/BABTS | Jul 21, 1973 | · | Inactive | ◉ |
| MARS 3 Mars-3 | 05252 | · | IKI/BABTS | May 28, 1971 | · | Inactive | ◉ |
| MARS 2 Mars-2 | 05234 | · | IKI/BABTS | May 19, 1971 | · | Inactive | ◉ |
| COSMOS 419 Kosmos-419 | 05221 | 1971-042A | IKI/BABTS | May 10, 1971 | 87 min, 51.5° | Reentered | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Mars satellites are there?
The catalog lists 10 objects built on the Mars bus. 7 are in orbit and 3 have reentered.
How many Mars satellites are in orbit?
7 Mars objects are currently in orbit, of which 1 carry an active status.
Who builds the Mars bus?
The Mars bus is most commonly built by NPOL.
When did the first Mars satellite launch?
The first cataloged Mars satellite launched in 1971, and the most recent in 2020.