OAO Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The OAO bus accounts for 3 cataloged objects, of which 3 are in orbit and 0 are active. Most are built by GRUM. The largest operator on this bus is NASA. The first launched in 1966, the most recent in 1972.

3
In orbit
0
Active
3
Total launched
0
Reentered

OAO launched per year

1 1966: 1 object launched 1967: 0 objects launched 1968: 1 object launched 1969: 0 objects launched 1970: 0 objects launched 1971: 0 objects launched 1972: 1 object launched 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged OAO satellites.

Manufacturer GRUM
Purpose Astronomy, UV
Launch mass 1769 kg
Dry mass 1769 kg
Length 3 m
Diameter 2 m
Span 5 m
Shape Oct Cyl + 2 Pan
Power 2 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries
Equipment 11 UV telescopes
Typical orbit 99 min period, 35° inclination

Top operators

Top countries

US 3

OAO satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
OAO 3 (COPERNICUS) Copernicus 06153 1972-065A GSFC Aug 21, 1972 99 min, 35.0° Inactive
OAO 2 OAO 2 03597 1968-110A GSFC Dec 7, 1968 99 min, 35.0° Inactive
OAO 1 OAO 1 02142 1966-031A GSFC Apr 8, 1966 100 min, 35.0° Inactive

Frequently asked questions

How many OAO satellites are there?

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

How many OAO satellites are in orbit?

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

Who builds the OAO bus?

The OAO bus is most commonly built by GRUM.

When did the first OAO satellite launch?

The first cataloged OAO satellite launched in 1966, and the most recent in 1972.

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