Picostar Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The Picostar bus accounts for 8 cataloged objects, of which 1 are in orbit and 0 are active. 7 have reentered. Most are built by DSI. The largest operator on this bus is DARPA. The first launched in 1991, the most recent in 1993.
1
In orbit
0
Active
8
Total launched
7
Reentered
Picostar launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Picostar satellites.
| Manufacturer | DSI |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Experimental communication |
| Launch mass | 21 kg |
| Dry mass | 19 kg |
| Length | 0.2 m |
| Diameter | 0.5 m |
| Span | 0.5 m |
| Shape | Cyl |
| Power | Solar cellsm batteries |
| Propulsion | Cold gas N2 propulsion |
| Design life | 4 years (planned); 1 year (achieved) |
| Equipment | 1 UHF transponder digital store and forward communications system |
| Typical orbit | 100 min period, 25° inclination |
Top operators
DARPA 7 Orbcomm 1
Top countries
US 8
Picostar satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OXP 1 Orbcomm CDS-1 | 22489 | 1993-009A | ORBC | Feb 9, 1993 | 100 min, 25.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| MICROSAT 7 Microsat 7 | 21586 | 1991-051G | DARPA | Jul 17, 1991 | 88 min, 82.0° | Reentered | ◉ |
| MICROSAT 6 Microsat 6 | 21585 | 1991-051F | DARPA | Jul 17, 1991 | 88 min, 82.0° | Reentered | ◉ |
| MICROSAT 5 Microsat 5 | 21584 | 1991-051E | DARPA | Jul 17, 1991 | 88 min, 82.0° | Reentered | ◉ |
| MICROSAT 4 Microsat 4 | 21583 | 1991-051D | DARPA | Jul 17, 1991 | 88 min, 82.0° | Reentered | ◉ |
| MICROSAT 3 Microsat 3 | 21582 | 1991-051C | DARPA | Jul 17, 1991 | 88 min, 82.0° | Reentered | ◉ |
| MICROSAT 2 Microsat 2 | 21581 | 1991-051B | DARPA | Jul 17, 1991 | 88 min, 82.0° | Reentered | ◉ |
| MICROSAT 1 Microsat 1 | 21580 | 1991-051A | DARPA | Jul 17, 1991 | 88 min, 82.0° | Reentered | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Picostar satellites are there?
The catalog lists 8 objects built on the Picostar bus. 1 are in orbit and 7 have reentered.
How many Picostar satellites are in orbit?
1 Picostar objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the Picostar bus?
The Picostar bus is most commonly built by DSI.
When did the first Picostar satellite launch?
The first cataloged Picostar satellite launched in 1991, and the most recent in 1993.