Surcal Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The Surcal bus accounts for 5 cataloged objects, of which 1 are in orbit and 0 are active. 4 have reentered. Most are built by NRL. The largest operator on this bus is Naval Research Laboratory. The first launched in 1962, the most recent in 1967.
1
In orbit
0
Active
5
Total launched
4
Reentered
Surcal launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Surcal satellites.
| Manufacturer | NRL |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Radar Calibration |
| Launch mass | 5 kg |
| Dry mass | 5 kg |
| Length | 0.2 m |
| Diameter | 0.2 m |
| Span | 0.2 m |
| Shape | Box |
| Propulsion | none in orbit |
| Equipment | ? |
| Typical orbit | 108 min period, 90° inclination |
Top operators
Top countries
US 5
Surcal satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SURCAL 150B SURCAL 6 | 02909 | 1967-053J | NRL | May 31, 1967 | 88 min, 69.9° | Reentered | ◉ |
| PORCUPINE 2 SURCAL 5 | 01577 | 1965-065J | NRL | Aug 13, 1965 | 108 min, 90.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| SURCAL 2 SURCAL 4 | 01310 | 1965-016G | NRL | Mar 9, 1965 | 89 min, 70.0° | Reentered | ◉ |
| SURCAL 1B SURCAL 3 | 00597 | 1963-021F | NRL | Jun 15, 1963 | 90 min, 69.8° | Reentered | ◉ |
| SURCAL 1A SURCAL 2 | 00508 | 1962-067D | NRL | Dec 13, 1962 | 89 min, 70.2° | Reentered | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Surcal satellites are there?
The catalog lists 5 objects built on the Surcal bus. 1 are in orbit and 4 have reentered.
How many Surcal satellites are in orbit?
1 Surcal objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the Surcal bus?
The Surcal bus is most commonly built by NRL.
When did the first Surcal satellite launch?
The first cataloged Surcal satellite launched in 1962, and the most recent in 1967.