RHYOLITE Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The RHYOLITE bus accounts for 4 cataloged objects, of which 4 are in orbit and 0 are active. Most are built by TRW. The largest operator on this bus is National Reconnaissance Office. The first launched in 1970, the most recent in 1978.
4
In orbit
0
Active
4
Total launched
0
Reentered
RHYOLITE launched per year
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged RHYOLITE satellites.
| Manufacturer | TRW |
|---|---|
| Purpose | SIGINT, ELINT, COMINT |
| Launch mass | 700 kg |
| Dry mass | 300 kg |
| Length | 8 m |
| Diameter | 1.5 m |
| Span | 15 m |
| Shape | Cyl + Dish |
| Power | Solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | MMBPS |
| Design life | ~ 5 years |
| Equipment | ? |
| Typical orbit | 1433 min period, 0° inclination |
Top operators
Top countries
US 4
RHYOLITE satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPS 8790 OPS 8790 | 10787 | 1978-038A | NRO/CIA | Apr 7, 1978 | 1433 min, 3.6° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 4258 OPS 4258 | 10508 | · | NRO/CIA | Dec 11, 1977 | · | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 6063 OPS 6063 | 06380 | 1973-013A | NRO/CIA | Mar 6, 1973 | 1436 min, 0.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 5346 OPS 5346 | 04418 | · | NRO/CIA | Jun 19, 1970 | · | Inactive | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many RHYOLITE satellites are there?
The catalog lists 4 objects built on the RHYOLITE bus. 4 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.
How many RHYOLITE satellites are in orbit?
4 RHYOLITE objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the RHYOLITE bus?
The RHYOLITE bus is most commonly built by TRW.
When did the first RHYOLITE satellite launch?
The first cataloged RHYOLITE satellite launched in 1970, and the most recent in 1978.