Milstar Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The Milstar bus accounts for 6 cataloged objects, of which 6 are in orbit and 5 are active. Most are built by LMMS. The largest operator on this bus is AFSMC. The first launched in 1994, the most recent in 2003.
6
In orbit
5
Active
6
Total launched
0
Reentered
Milstar launched per year
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Milstar satellites.
| Manufacturer | LMMS |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Comsat |
| Launch mass | 4500 kg |
| Dry mass | 4200 kg |
| Length | 15.5 m |
| Diameter | 5 m |
| Span | 35 m |
| Shape | Truss + Ant |
| Power | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | 2 x R-4D-12 |
| Design life | 10 years |
| Equipment | LDR, MDR and Crosslink payloads |
| Typical orbit | 1436 min period, 12° inclination |
Top operators
AFSMC 6
Top countries
US 6
Milstar satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA 169 (MILSTAR-2 4) Milstar 6 | 27711 | 2003-012A | AFSMC | Apr 8, 2003 | 1436 min, 12.4° | Active | ◉ |
| USA 164 (MILSTAR-2 3) Milstar 5 | 27168 | 2002-001A | AFSMC | Jan 14, 2002 | 1436 min, 11.2° | Active | ◉ |
| USA 157 (MILSTAR-2 2) Milstar 4 | 26715 | 2001-009A | AFSMC | Feb 27, 2001 | 1436 min, 11.6° | Active | ◉ |
| USA 143 (MILSTAR-2 1) Milstar 3 | 25724 | 1999-023A | AFSMC | Apr 30, 1999 | 154 min, 28.2° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 115 (MILSTAR-1 2) Milstar 2 | 23712 | 1995-060A | AFSMC | Nov 6, 1995 | 1436 min, 14.1° | Active | ◉ |
| USA 99 (MILSTAR-1 1) Milstar 1 | 22988 | 1994-009A | AFSMC | Feb 7, 1994 | 1459 min, 17.7° | Active | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Milstar satellites are there?
The catalog lists 6 objects built on the Milstar bus. 6 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.
How many Milstar satellites are in orbit?
6 Milstar objects are currently in orbit, of which 5 carry an active status.
Who builds the Milstar bus?
The Milstar bus is most commonly built by LMMS.
When did the first Milstar satellite launch?
The first cataloged Milstar satellite launched in 1994, and the most recent in 2003.