NOSS MSD Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The NOSS MSD bus accounts for 9 cataloged objects, of which 8 are in orbit and 0 are active. 1 have reentered. Most are built by MM. The largest operator on this bus is National Reconnaissance Office. The first launched in 1976, the most recent in 1987.

8
In orbit
0
Active
9
Total launched
1
Reentered

NOSS MSD launched per year

1 2 1976: 1 object launched 1977: 1 object launched 1978: 0 objects launched 1979: 0 objects launched 1980: 1 object launched 1981: 0 objects launched 1982: 0 objects launched 1983: 2 objects launched 1984: 1 object launched 1985: 0 objects launched 1986: 1 object launched 1987: 2 launched, 1 since reentered 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged NOSS MSD satellites.

Manufacturer MM
Purpose Ocean Surveillance Launch Dispenser
Launch mass 559 kg
Dry mass 559 kg
Length 1.6 m
Diameter 1.5 m
Span 2.7 m
Shape Box + Ant
Propulsion FW-4D ?
Equipment ?
Typical orbit 102 min period, 63° inclination

Top operators

Top countries

US 9

NOSS MSD satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
USA 22 DEB deb USA 22 44301 1987-043J NRO/NRL May 15, 1987 89 min, 63.2° Reentered
USA 22 USA-22 17997 1987-043A NRO/NRL May 15, 1987 102 min, 63.3° Inactive
USA 15 USA-15 16591 1986-014A NRO/NRL Feb 9, 1986 102 min, 63.3° Inactive
OPS 8737 OPS 8737 14690 1984-012A NRO/NRL Feb 5, 1984 102 min, 63.3° Inactive
OPS 6432 OPS 6432 14112 1983-056A NRO/NRL Jun 9, 1983 104 min, 63.3° Inactive
OPS 0252 OPS 0252 13791 1983-008A NRO/NRL Feb 9, 1983 104 min, 63.3° Inactive
OPS 7245 OPS 7245 11720 1980-019A NRO/NRL Mar 3, 1980 107 min, 63.5° Inactive
OPS 8781 OPS 8781 10502 1977-112A NRO/NRL Dec 8, 1977 102 min, 63.3° Inactive
OPS 6431 OPS 6431 08818 1976-038A NRO/NRL Apr 30, 1976 103 min, 63.4° Inactive

Frequently asked questions

How many NOSS MSD satellites are there?

The catalog lists 9 objects built on the NOSS MSD bus. 8 are in orbit and 1 have reentered.

How many NOSS MSD satellites are in orbit?

8 NOSS MSD objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.

Who builds the NOSS MSD bus?

The NOSS MSD bus is most commonly built by MM.

When did the first NOSS MSD satellite launch?

The first cataloged NOSS MSD satellite launched in 1976, and the most recent in 1987.

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