NOSS SSU Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The NOSS SSU bus accounts for 24 cataloged objects, of which 23 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.
23
In orbit
0
Active
24
Total launched
1
Reentered
NOSS SSU launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged NOSS SSU satellites.
| Manufacturer | MM |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Ocean Surveillance, ELINT |
| Launch mass | 200 kg |
| Dry mass | 200 kg |
| Length | 0.9 m |
| Diameter | 0.4 m |
| Span | 10 m |
| Shape | Box + Ant |
| Power | 4 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | ? |
| Equipment | ? |
| Typical orbit | 104 min period, 63° inclination |
Top operators
Top countries
US 24
NOSS SSU satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA 25 USA-25 | 18025 | 1987-043H | NRO/NRL | May 15, 1987 | 103 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 24 USA-24 | 18010 | 1987-043F | NRO/NRL | May 15, 1987 | 104 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 23 USA-23 | 18009 | 1987-043E | NRO/NRL | May 15, 1987 | 104 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 18 USA-18 | 16631 | 1986-014H | NRO/NRL | Feb 9, 1986 | 103 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 17 USA-17 | 16625 | 1986-014F | NRO/NRL | Feb 9, 1986 | 105 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 16 USA-16 | 16624 | 1986-014E | NRO/NRL | Feb 9, 1986 | 105 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| JD 3 JD3 | 14795 | 1984-012F | NRO/NRL | Feb 5, 1984 | 104 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| JD 2 JD2 | 14729 | 1984-012D | NRO/NRL | Feb 5, 1984 | 105 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| JD 1 JD1 | 14728 | 1984-012C | NRO/NRL | Feb 5, 1984 | 105 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| GB 3 GB3 | 14180 | 1983-056G | NRO/NRL | Jun 9, 1983 | 104 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| GB 2 GB2 | 14144 | 1983-056D | NRO/NRL | Jun 9, 1983 | 104 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| GB 1 GB1 | 14143 | 1983-056C | NRO/NRL | Jun 9, 1983 | 104 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SSC SSC | 13874 | 1983-008H | NRO/NRL | Feb 9, 1983 | 104 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SSB SSB | 13845 | 1983-008F | NRO/NRL | Feb 9, 1983 | 104 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SSA SSA | 13844 | 1983-008E | NRO/NRL | Feb 9, 1983 | 105 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| EP 3 EP 3 | 11745 | 1980-019G | NRO/NRL | Mar 3, 1980 | 87 min, 63.2° | Reentered | ◉ |
| EP 2 EP 2 | 11732 | · | NRO/NRL | Mar 3, 1980 | · | Inactive | ◉ |
| EP 1 EP 1 | 11731 | · | NRO/NRL | Mar 3, 1980 | · | Inactive | ◉ |
| SS 3 SS 3 | 10594 | 1977-112F | NRO/NRL | Dec 8, 1977 | 103 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SS 2 SS 2 | 10544 | 1977-112E | NRO/NRL | Dec 8, 1977 | 103 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SS 1 SS 1 | 10529 | 1977-112D | NRO/NRL | Dec 8, 1977 | 104 min, 63.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SSU 3 SSU 2 | 08884 | 1976-038J | NRO/NRL | Apr 30, 1976 | 104 min, 63.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SSU 2 SSU 3 | 08836 | 1976-038D | NRO/NRL | Apr 30, 1976 | 104 min, 63.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SSU 1 SSU 1 | 08835 | 1976-038C | NRO/NRL | Apr 30, 1976 | 104 min, 63.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many NOSS SSU satellites are there?
The catalog lists 24 objects built on the NOSS SSU bus. 23 are in orbit and 1 have reentered.
How many NOSS SSU satellites are in orbit?
23 NOSS SSU objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the NOSS SSU bus?
The NOSS SSU bus is most commonly built by MM.
When did the first NOSS SSU satellite launch?
The first cataloged NOSS SSU satellite launched in 1976, and the most recent in 1987.