SMEX Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The SMEX bus accounts for 6 cataloged objects, of which 3 are in orbit and 1 are active. 3 have reentered. Most are built by GSFC. The largest operator on this bus is NASA. The first launched in 1992, the most recent in 2013.
3
In orbit
1
Active
6
Total launched
3
Reentered
SMEX launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged SMEX satellites.
| Manufacturer | GSFC |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Astronomy, Infra-red |
| Launch mass | 158 kg |
| Dry mass | 158 kg |
| Length | 1.7 m |
| Diameter | 1 m |
| Span | 1.8 m |
| Shape | Box + 2 Pan |
| Power | 2 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | ? |
| Design life | 1 year |
| Equipment | 20 cm UV telescope with multi-channel imaging spectrograph |
| Typical orbit | 95 min period, 70° inclination |
Top operators
NASA 5 ARC/GSFC 1
Top countries
US 6
SMEX satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRIS IRIS | 39197 | 2013-033A | ARC/GSFC | Jun 28, 2013 | 97 min, 97.9° | Active | ◉ |
| WIRE WIRE | 25646 | 1999-011A | GSFC | Mar 5, 1999 | 87 min, 97.2° | Reentered | ◉ |
| SWAS SWAS | 25560 | 1998-071A | GSFC | Dec 6, 1998 | 95 min, 69.9° | Inactive | ◉ |
| TRACE TRACE | 25280 | 1998-020A | GSFC | Apr 2, 1998 | 87 min, 97.4° | Reentered | ◉ |
| FAST FAST | 24285 | 1996-049A | GSFC | Aug 21, 1996 | 122 min, 82.9° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SAMPEX SAMPEX | 22012 | 1992-038A | GSFC | Jul 3, 1992 | 87 min, 81.6° | Reentered | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many SMEX satellites are there?
The catalog lists 6 objects built on the SMEX bus. 3 are in orbit and 3 have reentered.
How many SMEX satellites are in orbit?
3 SMEX objects are currently in orbit, of which 1 carry an active status.
Who builds the SMEX bus?
The SMEX bus is most commonly built by GSFC.
When did the first SMEX satellite launch?
The first cataloged SMEX satellite launched in 1992, and the most recent in 2013.