Mars SA Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The Mars SA bus accounts for 4 cataloged objects, of which 1 are in orbit and 0 are active. 3 have reentered. Most are built by NPOL. The largest operator on this bus is IKI/NPOL. The first launched in 1971, the most recent in 1973.

1
In orbit
0
Active
4
Total launched
3
Reentered

Mars SA launched per year

1 2 1971: 2 launched, 2 since reentered 1972: 0 objects launched 1973: 2 launched, 1 since reentered 1971 1972 1973
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged Mars SA satellites.

Manufacturer NPOL
Launch mass 645 kg
Dry mass 645 kg
Length 1.2 m
Diameter 1.2 m
Span 2 m
Shape Ell + 2 Petal

Top operators

IKI/NPOL 4

Top countries

SU 4

Mars SA satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
MARS 7 DESCENT CRAFT SA Marsa-7 07224 · IKI/NPOL Aug 9, 1973 · Inactive
MARS 6 DESCENT CRAFT SA Marsa-6 07223 · IKI/NPOL Aug 5, 1973 · Reentered
MARS 2 CAPSULE SA Marsa-2 05739 · IKI/NPOL May 19, 1971 · Reentered
MARS 3 DESCENT CRAFT SA Marsa-3 05667 · IKI/NPOL May 28, 1971 · Reentered

Frequently asked questions

How many Mars SA satellites are there?

The catalog lists 4 objects built on the Mars SA bus. 1 are in orbit and 3 have reentered.

How many Mars SA satellites are in orbit?

1 Mars SA objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.

Who builds the Mars SA bus?

The Mars SA bus is most commonly built by NPOL.

When did the first Mars SA satellite launch?

The first cataloged Mars SA satellite launched in 1971, and the most recent in 1973.

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