Nimbus Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The Nimbus bus accounts for 10 cataloged objects, of which 9 are in orbit and 0 are active. 1 have reentered. Most are built by GEVF. The largest operator on this bus is NASA. The first launched in 1964, the most recent in 1978.
9
In orbit
0
Active
10
Total launched
1
Reentered
Nimbus launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Nimbus satellites.
| Manufacturer | GEVF |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Meteorology, experimental |
| Launch mass | 376 kg |
| Dry mass | 376 kg |
| Length | 3 m |
| Diameter | 3.3 m |
| Span | 3.6 m |
| Shape | Cone + 2 Pan |
| Power | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | ? |
| Design life | 1 year design (#1 6 years, #2 7 years, #3 5 years reached) |
| Equipment | RBV, MSS, DCS |
| Typical orbit | 107 min period, 99° inclination |
Top operators
Top countries
US 10
Nimbus satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIMBUS 7 Nimbus 7 | 11080 | 1978-098A | GSFC | Oct 24, 1978 | 104 min, 99.5° | Inactive | ◉ |
| LANDSAT 3 Landsat 3 | 10702 | 1978-026A | GSFC | Mar 5, 1978 | 103 min, 99.1° | Inactive | ◉ |
| NIMBUS 6 Nimbus 6 | 07924 | 1975-052A | GSFC | Jun 12, 1975 | 107 min, 100.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| LANDSAT 2 Landsat 2 | 07615 | 1975-004A | GSFC | Jan 22, 1975 | 103 min, 99.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| NIMBUS 5 Nimbus 5 | 06305 | 1972-097A | GSFC | Dec 11, 1972 | 107 min, 99.8° | Inactive | ◉ |
| LANDSAT 1 (ERTS 1) ERTS 1 | 06126 | 1972-058A | GSFC | Jul 23, 1972 | 103 min, 99.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| NIMBUS 4 Nimbus 4 | 04362 | 1970-025A | GSFC | Apr 8, 1970 | 107 min, 100.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| NIMBUS 3 Nimbus 3 | 03890 | 1969-037A | GSFC | Apr 14, 1969 | 107 min, 99.7° | Inactive | ◉ |
| NIMBUS 2 Nimbus 2 | 02173 | 1966-040A | GSFC | May 15, 1966 | 108 min, 100.5° | Inactive | ◉ |
| NIMBUS 1 Nimbus 1 | 00872 | 1964-052A | GSFC | Aug 28, 1964 | 88 min, 98.7° | Reentered | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Nimbus satellites are there?
The catalog lists 10 objects built on the Nimbus bus. 9 are in orbit and 1 have reentered.
How many Nimbus satellites are in orbit?
9 Nimbus objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the Nimbus bus?
The Nimbus bus is most commonly built by GEVF.
When did the first Nimbus satellite launch?
The first cataloged Nimbus satellite launched in 1964, and the most recent in 1978.