Tiros M Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The Tiros M 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 NOAA. The first launched in 1970, the most recent in 1976.
6
In orbit
0
Active
6
Total launched
0
Reentered
Tiros M launched per year
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Tiros M satellites.
| Manufacturer | RCA |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Meteorology |
| Launch mass | 309 kg |
| Dry mass | 309 kg |
| Length | 1.2 m |
| Diameter | 1 m |
| Span | 4.3 m |
| Shape | Box + 2 Pan |
| Power | 3 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | ? |
| Equipment | VHRR, VTPR, SR |
| Typical orbit | 115 min period, 102° inclination |
Top operators
NOAA 5 ESSA 1
Top countries
US 6
Tiros M satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAA 5 NOAA 5 | 09057 | 1976-077A | NOAA | Jul 29, 1976 | 116 min, 102.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| NOAA 4 NOAA 4 | 07529 | 1974-089A | NOAA | Nov 15, 1974 | 115 min, 102.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| NOAA 3 NOAA 3 | 06920 | 1973-086A | NOAA | Nov 6, 1973 | 116 min, 102.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| NOAA 2 (ITOS-D) NOAA 2 | 06235 | 1972-082A | NOAA | Oct 15, 1972 | 115 min, 102.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| NOAA 1 NOAA 1 | 04793 | 1970-106A | NOAA | Dec 11, 1970 | 115 min, 101.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| ITOS 1 (TIROS M) ITOS 1 | 04320 | 1970-008A | ESSA | Jan 23, 1970 | 115 min, 101.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Tiros M satellites are there?
The catalog lists 6 objects built on the Tiros M bus. 6 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.
How many Tiros M satellites are in orbit?
6 Tiros M objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the Tiros M bus?
The Tiros M bus is most commonly built by RCA.
When did the first Tiros M satellite launch?
The first cataloged Tiros M satellite launched in 1970, and the most recent in 1976.