Tiros Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The Tiros bus accounts for 5 cataloged objects, of which 3 are in orbit and 0 are active. 2 have reentered. Most are built by RCA. The largest operator on this bus is NASA. The first launched in 1960, the most recent in 1963.

3
In orbit
0
Active
5
Total launched
2
Reentered

Tiros launched per year

1 2 1960: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 1961: 0 objects launched 1962: 2 objects launched 1963: 2 launched, 1 since reentered 1960 1961 1962 1963
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged Tiros satellites.

Manufacturer RCA
Purpose Meteorology
Launch mass 120 kg
Dry mass 120 kg
Length 0.6 m
Diameter 1.1 m
Span 1.1 m
Shape Cyl
Power Solar cells, batteries
Propulsion ?
Equipment ?
Typical orbit 96 min period, 58° inclination

Top operators

Top countries

US 5

Tiros satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
TIROS 8 Tiros 8 00716 1963-054A GSFC Dec 21, 1963 98 min, 58.5° Inactive
TIROS 7 Tiros 7 00604 1963-024A GSFC Jun 19, 1963 88 min, 58.2° Reentered
TIROS 6 Tiros 6 00397 1962-047A GSFC Sep 18, 1962 96 min, 58.3° Inactive
TIROS 5 Tiros 5 00309 1962-025A GSFC Jun 19, 1962 99 min, 58.1° Inactive
TIROS 2 Tiros 2 00063 1960-016A GSFC Nov 23, 1960 88 min, 48.4° Reentered

Frequently asked questions

How many Tiros satellites are there?

The catalog lists 5 objects built on the Tiros bus. 3 are in orbit and 2 have reentered.

How many Tiros satellites are in orbit?

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

Who builds the Tiros bus?

The Tiros bus is most commonly built by RCA.

When did the first Tiros satellite launch?

The first cataloged Tiros satellite launched in 1960, and the most recent in 1963.

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