MPF Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-21.

The MPF bus accounts for 3 cataloged objects, of which 0 are in orbit and 0 are active. 3 have reentered. Most are built by JPL. The largest operator on this bus is NASA. The first launched in 1996, the most recent in 2003.

0
In orbit
0
Active
3
Total launched
3
Reentered

MPF launched per year

1 2 1996: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 1997: 0 objects launched 1998: 0 objects launched 1999: 0 objects launched 2000: 0 objects launched 2001: 0 objects launched 2002: 0 objects launched 2003: 2 launched, 2 since reentered 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged MPF satellites.

Manufacturer JPL
Purpose Mars Lander / Rover
Launch mass 174 kg
Dry mass 174 kg
Length 1.4 m
Diameter 1 m
Span 1.4 m
Shape Box + 6 Wheel + 2 Ant
Power Solar cells, batteries (cruise stage); fixed solar arrays, batteries (rover)
Propulsion ?
Design life 3 month (design), still operational (#2)
Equipment see above

Top operators

Top countries

US 3

MPF satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
MARS EXPLORER ROVER B Opportunity Rover 27849 2003-032A JPL Jul 8, 2003 88 min, 29.4° Reentered
MARS EXPLORER ROVER A Spirit Rover 27827 2003-027A JPL Jun 10, 2003 · Reentered
MARS PATHFINDER Sagan Memorial Station 24667 1996-068A JPL Dec 4, 1996 · Reentered

Frequently asked questions

How many MPF satellites are there?

The catalog lists 3 objects built on the MPF bus. 0 are in orbit and 3 have reentered.

How many MPF satellites are in orbit?

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

Who builds the MPF bus?

The MPF bus is most commonly built by JPL.

When did the first MPF satellite launch?

The first cataloged MPF satellite launched in 1996, and the most recent in 2003.

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