Meteor-3 Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The Meteor-3 bus accounts for 9 cataloged objects, of which 8 are in orbit and 0 are active. 1 have reentered. Most are built by VNIEM. The largest operator on this bus is GMS. The first launched in 1984, the most recent in 2009.
8
In orbit
0
Active
9
Total launched
1
Reentered
Meteor-3 launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Meteor-3 satellites.
| Manufacturer | VNIEM |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Meteorology |
| Launch mass | 2150 kg |
| Dry mass | 2150 kg |
| Length | 6.5 m |
| Diameter | 2.4 m |
| Span | 12.7 m |
| Shape | Cyl + 2 Pan |
| Power | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Design life | 2 years |
| Equipment | see above |
| Typical orbit | 109 min period, 83° inclination |
Top operators
GMS 4 RGMS 3 IKI/VNIEMR 1 RGMS/VNIEMR 1
Top countries
SU 6 RU 3
Meteor-3 satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KORONAS-FOTON Koronas-Foton | 33504 | 2009-003A | IKI/VNIEMR | Jan 30, 2009 | 93 min, 82.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| METEOR-3M Meteor-3M No. 1 | 27001 | 2001-056A | RGMS/VNIEMR | Dec 10, 2001 | 105 min, 99.8° | Inactive | ◉ |
| METEOR 3-6 Meteor-3 | 22969 | 1994-003A | RGMS | Jan 25, 1994 | 109 min, 82.6° | Inactive | ◉ |
| METEOR 3-5 Meteor-3 | 21655 | 1991-056A | RGMS | Aug 15, 1991 | 109 min, 82.6° | Inactive | ◉ |
| METEOR 3-4 Meteor-3 | 21232 | 1991-030A | RGMS | Apr 24, 1991 | 109 min, 82.5° | Inactive | ◉ |
| METEOR 3-3 Meteor-3 | 20305 | 1989-086A | GMS | Oct 24, 1989 | 110 min, 82.6° | Inactive | ◉ |
| METEOR 3-2 Meteor-3 | 19336 | 1988-064A | GMS | Jul 26, 1988 | 109 min, 82.5° | Inactive | ◉ |
| METEOR 3-1 Meteor-3 | 16191 | 1985-100A | GMS | Oct 24, 1985 | 109 min, 82.5° | Inactive | ◉ |
| COSMOS 1612 Kosmos-1612 | 15406 | 1984-120A | GMS | Nov 27, 1984 | 87 min, 82.5° | Reentered | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Meteor-3 satellites are there?
The catalog lists 9 objects built on the Meteor-3 bus. 8 are in orbit and 1 have reentered.
How many Meteor-3 satellites are in orbit?
8 Meteor-3 objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the Meteor-3 bus?
The Meteor-3 bus is most commonly built by VNIEM.
When did the first Meteor-3 satellite launch?
The first cataloged Meteor-3 satellite launched in 1984, and the most recent in 2009.