Satcom Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The Satcom bus accounts for 6 cataloged objects, of which 6 are in orbit and 0 are active. Most are built by RCA. The largest operator on this bus is AMC. The first launched in 1975, the most recent in 1982.
6
In orbit
0
Active
6
Total launched
0
Reentered
Satcom launched per year
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Satcom satellites.
| Manufacturer | RCA |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Communication |
| Launch mass | 433 kg |
| Dry mass | 335 kg |
| Length | 1.3 m |
| Diameter | 1.3 m |
| Span | 11.3 m |
| Shape | Box + 2 Pan |
| Power | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | SVM-7 |
| Design life | 7 years (#1, 2); 8 years (#3, 3R, 4) |
| Equipment | 24 C-band transponders |
| Typical orbit | 1446 min period, 9° inclination |
Top operators
AMC 4 AMCR 1 TCAN 1
Top countries
US 5 CA 1
Satcom satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SATCOM 4 Satcom 4 | 13035 | 1982-004A | AMC | Jan 16, 1982 | 1446 min, 12.8° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SATCOM 3R Satcom 3R | 12967 | 1981-114A | AMC | Nov 20, 1981 | 1438 min, 12.1° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SATCOM 3 Satcom 3 | 11635 | 1979-101A | AMC | Dec 7, 1979 | 789 min, 8.8° | Inactive | ◉ |
| ANIK B1 (TELESAT 4) Anik B | 11153 | 1978-116A | TCAN | Dec 16, 1978 | 1443 min, 9.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SATCOM 2 Satcom 2 | 08774 | 1976-029A | AMC | Mar 26, 1976 | 1460 min, 8.9° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SATCOM 1 Satcom 1 | 08476 | 1975-117A | AMCR | Dec 13, 1975 | 1446 min, 7.9° | Inactive | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Satcom satellites are there?
The catalog lists 6 objects built on the Satcom bus. 6 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.
How many Satcom satellites are in orbit?
6 Satcom objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the Satcom bus?
The Satcom bus is most commonly built by RCA.
When did the first Satcom satellite launch?
The first cataloged Satcom satellite launched in 1975, and the most recent in 1982.