Picosat Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The Picosat bus accounts for 7 cataloged objects, of which 4 are in orbit and 0 are active. 3 have reentered. Most are built by AERO. The largest operator on this bus is SCU. The first launched in 2000, the most recent in 2011.

4
In orbit
0
Active
7
Total launched
3
Reentered

Picosat launched per year

2 4 6 2000: 5 launched, 1 since reentered 2001: 0 objects launched 2002: 0 objects launched 2003: 0 objects launched 2004: 0 objects launched 2005: 0 objects launched 2006: 0 objects launched 2007: 0 objects launched 2008: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 2009: 0 objects launched 2010: 0 objects launched 2011: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged Picosat satellites.

Manufacturer AERO
Purpose Experimental
Launch mass 0.25 kg
Dry mass 0.25 kg
Length 0.025 m
Diameter 0.102 m
Span 0.203 m
Shape Box
Power Solar cells, batteries
Propulsion None
Equipment ?
Typical orbit 99 min period, 100° inclination

Top operators

SCU 3 AFRL 2 DARPA2 2

Top countries

US 7

Picosat satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
PSSC-2 PSSC-2 37752 2011-031B AFRL Jul 8, 2011 88 min, 51.6° Reentered
PSSC PSSC 1 33445 2008-059B AFRL Nov 15, 2008 87 min, 51.6° Reentered
PICOSAT 7 & 8 [TETHERED] Picosat 7 26904 2000-042C DARPA2 Jul 18, 2000 88 min, 97.7° Reentered
PICOSAT 5 JAK 26093 2000-004L SCU Jan 27, 2000 98 min, 100.2° Inactive
PICOSAT 4 Louise 26092 2000-004K SCU Jan 27, 2000 99 min, 100.2° Inactive
PICOSAT 3 Thelma 26091 2000-004J SCU Jan 27, 2000 99 min, 100.2° Inactive
PICOSAT 1 & 2 [TETHERED] Picosat 1 26080 2000-004H DARPA2 Jan 27, 2000 99 min, 100.2° Inactive

Frequently asked questions

How many Picosat satellites are there?

The catalog lists 7 objects built on the Picosat bus. 4 are in orbit and 3 have reentered.

How many Picosat satellites are in orbit?

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

Who builds the Picosat bus?

The Picosat bus is most commonly built by AERO.

When did the first Picosat satellite launch?

The first cataloged Picosat satellite launched in 2000, and the most recent in 2011.

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