SAS Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The SAS bus accounts for 4 cataloged objects, of which 0 are in orbit and 0 are active. 4 have reentered. Most are built by APL. The largest operator on this bus is NASA. The first launched in 1970, the most recent in 1979.

0
In orbit
0
Active
4
Total launched
4
Reentered

SAS launched per year

1 1970: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 1971: 0 objects launched 1972: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 1973: 0 objects launched 1974: 0 objects launched 1975: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 1976: 0 objects launched 1977: 0 objects launched 1978: 0 objects launched 1979: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged SAS satellites.

Manufacturer APL
Launch mass 143 kg
Dry mass 143 kg
Length 1.3 m
Diameter 0.6 m
Span 3.9 m
Shape Cyl + 4 Pan

Top operators

Top countries

US 4

SAS satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
MAGSAT Magsat 11604 1979-094A GSFC Oct 30, 1979 88 min, 96.7° Reentered
EXPLORER 53 SAS 3 07788 1975-037A GSFC May 7, 1975 89 min, 3.0° Reentered
EXPLORER 48 (SAS 2) SAS 2 06282 · GSFC Nov 15, 1972 · Reentered
EXPLORER 42 (SAS-1) Uhuru 04797 1970-107A GSFC Dec 12, 1970 90 min, 3.0° Reentered

Frequently asked questions

How many SAS satellites are there?

The catalog lists 4 objects built on the SAS bus. 0 are in orbit and 4 have reentered.

How many SAS satellites are in orbit?

0 SAS objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.

Who builds the SAS bus?

The SAS bus is most commonly built by APL.

When did the first SAS satellite launch?

The first cataloged SAS satellite launched in 1970, and the most recent in 1979.

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