S-55 Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The S-55 bus accounts for 3 cataloged objects, of which 1 are in orbit and 0 are active. 2 have reentered. Most are built by LARCN. The largest operator on this bus is NASA. The first launched in 1961, the most recent in 1964.

1
In orbit
0
Active
3
Total launched
2
Reentered

S-55 launched per year

1 1961: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 1962: 1 object launched 1963: 0 objects launched 1964: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 1961 1962 1963 1964
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged S-55 satellites.

Manufacturer LARCN
Launch mass 62 kg
Dry mass 62 kg
Length 2.2 m
Diameter 0.6 m
Span 2.2 m
Shape Cyl
Typical orbit 104 min period, 52° inclination

Top operators

Top countries

US 3

S-55 satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
EXPLORER 23 Explorer 23 00924 1964-074A LARCN Nov 6, 1964 88 min, 51.9° Reentered
EXPLORER 16 Explorer 16 00506 1962-070A LARCN Dec 16, 1962 104 min, 52.0° Inactive
EXPLORER 13 Explorer 13 00180 1961-022A LARCN Aug 25, 1961 96 min, 36.4° Reentered

Frequently asked questions

How many S-55 satellites are there?

The catalog lists 3 objects built on the S-55 bus. 1 are in orbit and 2 have reentered.

How many S-55 satellites are in orbit?

1 S-55 objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.

Who builds the S-55 bus?

The S-55 bus is most commonly built by LARCN.

When did the first S-55 satellite launch?

The first cataloged S-55 satellite launched in 1961, and the most recent in 1964.

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