RL Pioneer Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The RL Pioneer bus accounts for 5 cataloged objects, of which 3 are in orbit and 3 are active. 2 have reentered. Most are built by RLABLB. The largest operator on this bus is VARDA. The first launched in 2023, the most recent in 2025.
3
In orbit
3
Active
5
Total launched
2
Reentered
RL Pioneer launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged RL Pioneer satellites.
| Manufacturer | RLABLB |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Technology, manufacturing, micro-gravity |
| Launch mass | 275 kg |
| Dry mass | 55 kg |
| Length | 0.9 m |
| Diameter | 1.4 m |
| Span | 1.4 m |
| Shape | Trunc cone |
| Power | Solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | HyperC |
| Design life | 3 months |
| Equipment | Reentry capsule |
| Typical orbit | 93 min period, 30° inclination |
Top operators
VARDA 3 UCB/NASA 2
Top countries
US 4
RL Pioneer satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESCAPADE GOLD | 66452 | · | UCB/NASA | Nov 13, 2025 | · | Active | ◉ |
| ESCAPADE BLUE | 66451 | 2025-260A | UCB/NASA | Nov 13, 2025 | 486091 min, 29.6° | Active | ◉ |
| PIONEER-03 | 63224 | 2025-052Q | VARDA | Mar 15, 2025 | 97 min, 97.4° | Reentered | ◉ |
| W-2 W-2 | 62649 | 2025-009AS | VARDA | Jan 14, 2025 | 93 min, 97.4° | Active | ◉ |
| PHOTON-04 W-1 | 56959 | 2023-084AD | VARDA | Jun 12, 2023 | 97 min, 97.5° | Reentered | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many RL Pioneer satellites are there?
The catalog lists 5 objects built on the RL Pioneer bus. 3 are in orbit and 2 have reentered.
How many RL Pioneer satellites are in orbit?
3 RL Pioneer objects are currently in orbit, of which 3 carry an active status.
Who builds the RL Pioneer bus?
The RL Pioneer bus is most commonly built by RLABLB.
When did the first RL Pioneer satellite launch?
The first cataloged RL Pioneer satellite launched in 2023, and the most recent in 2025.