Proteus Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The Proteus bus accounts for 7 cataloged objects, of which 7 are in orbit and 1 are active. Most are built by THALES. The largest operator on this bus is CNES. The first launched in 2001, the most recent in 2016.
7
In orbit
1
Active
7
Total launched
0
Reentered
Proteus launched per year
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Proteus satellites.
| Manufacturer | THALES |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Altimetry, Radar |
| Launch mass | 500 kg |
| Dry mass | 472 kg |
| Length | 2.4 m |
| Diameter | 1.9 m |
| Span | 9.7 m |
| Shape | Box + 2 Pan |
| Power | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | AOCS |
| Design life | 3 years (design); 11 years (reached, #2) |
| Equipment | Poseidon-3 (#2), Poseidon-B (#3), AMR, DORIS, NavstarP, LRA |
| Typical orbit | 112 min period, 66° inclination |
Top operators
Top countries
F 5 I-ESA 2
Proteus satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JASON-3 Jason-3 | 41240 | 2016-002A | CNES/NOAA | Jan 17, 2016 | 112 min, 66.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SMOS SMOS | 36036 | 2009-059A | ESA | Nov 2, 2009 | 100 min, 98.4° | Active | ◉ |
| JASON-2 (OSTM) Jason-2 | 33105 | 2008-032A | CNES/JPL | Jun 20, 2008 | 112 min, 66.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| GSAT0002 (GIOVE-B) Giove-B | 32781 | 2008-020A | ESA | Apr 27, 2008 | 871 min, 60.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| COROT COROT | 29678 | 2006-063A | CNES | Dec 27, 2006 | 99 min, 90.1° | Inactive | ◉ |
| CALIPSO Calipso | 29108 | 2006-016B | CNES | Apr 28, 2006 | 98 min, 98.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| JASON-1 Jason | 26997 | 2001-055A | CNES/JPL | Dec 7, 2001 | 112 min, 66.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Proteus satellites are there?
The catalog lists 7 objects built on the Proteus bus. 7 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.
How many Proteus satellites are in orbit?
7 Proteus objects are currently in orbit, of which 1 carry an active status.
Who builds the Proteus bus?
The Proteus bus is most commonly built by THALES.
When did the first Proteus satellite launch?
The first cataloged Proteus satellite launched in 2001, and the most recent in 2016.