Mercury Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-22.

The Mercury bus accounts for 6 cataloged objects, of which 0 are in orbit and 0 are active. 6 have reentered. Most are built by MCDA. The largest operator on this bus is MSC. The first launched in 1961, the most recent in 1963.

0
In orbit
0
Active
6
Total launched
6
Reentered

Mercury launched per year

1 2 3 1961: 2 launched, 2 since reentered 1962: 3 launched, 3 since reentered 1963: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 1961 1962 1963
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged Mercury satellites.

Manufacturer MCDA
Launch mass 1170 kg
Dry mass 1170 kg
Length 2.9 m
Diameter 1.8 m
Span 2.9 m
Shape Frust

Top operators

MSC 3 NASA 2 STGL 1

Top countries

US 6

Mercury satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
MERCURY ATLAS 9 Faith Seven 00576 1963-015A MSC May 15, 1963 89 min, 32.5° Reentered
MERCURY ATLAS 8 Sigma Seven 00433 1962-052A MSC Oct 3, 1962 89 min, 32.5° Reentered
MERCURY ATLAS 7 Aurora Seven 00295 · MSC May 24, 1962 · Reentered
MERCURY ATLAS 6 Friendship Seven 00240 · NASA Feb 20, 1962 · Reentered
MERCURY ATLAS 5 Mercury MA-5 00208 · NASA Nov 29, 1961 · Reentered
MERCURY ATLAS 4 Mercury MA-4 00183 · STGL Sep 13, 1961 · Reentered

Frequently asked questions

How many Mercury satellites are there?

The catalog lists 6 objects built on the Mercury bus. 0 are in orbit and 6 have reentered.

How many Mercury satellites are in orbit?

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

Who builds the Mercury bus?

The Mercury bus is most commonly built by MCDA.

When did the first Mercury satellite launch?

The first cataloged Mercury satellite launched in 1961, and the most recent in 1963.

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