Vela Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The Vela bus accounts for 12 cataloged objects, of which 12 are in orbit and 0 are active. Most are built by TRW. The largest operator on this bus is AFSSD. The first launched in 1963, the most recent in 1970.
12
In orbit
0
Active
12
Total launched
0
Reentered
Vela launched per year
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Vela satellites.
| Manufacturer | TRW |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Nuclear Detection |
| Launch mass | 115 kg |
| Dry mass | 115 kg |
| Length | 1.3 m |
| Diameter | 1.3 m |
| Span | 1.3 m |
| Shape | Poly |
| Power | Solar cells, batteries |
| Propulsion | BE-3 |
| Design life | 6 months (design) |
| Equipment | 12 external X-ray detectors and 18 internal neutron and gamma-ray detectors |
| Typical orbit | 6722 min period, 41° inclination |
Top operators
AFSSD 8 SAMSO 4
Top countries
US 12
Vela satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPS 7033 (VELA 11) Vela VI-B | 04368 | 1970-027B | SAMSO | Apr 8, 1970 | 6696 min, 86.2° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 7044 (VELA 12) Vela VI-A | 04366 | 1970-027A | SAMSO | Apr 8, 1970 | 6711 min, 87.6° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 6911 (VELA 10) Vela V-B | 03955 | 1969-046E | SAMSO | May 23, 1969 | 6722 min, 62.5° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 6909 (VELA 9) Vela V-A | 03954 | 1969-046D | SAMSO | May 23, 1969 | 6693 min, 89.1° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 6679 (VELA 8) Vela IV-B | 02766 | 1967-040B | AFSSD | Apr 28, 1967 | 6762 min, 36.5° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 6638 (VELA 7) Vela IV-A | 02765 | 1967-040A | AFSSD | Apr 28, 1967 | 6678 min, 40.8° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 6564 (VELA 6) Vela III-B | 01459 | 1965-058B | AFSSD | Jul 20, 1965 | 6733 min, 41.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 6577 (VELA 5) Vela III-A | 01458 | 1965-058A | AFSSD | Jul 20, 1965 | 6722 min, 29.2° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 3674 (VELA 4) Vela II-B | 00837 | 1964-040B | AFSSD | Jul 17, 1964 | 6001 min, 48.6° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 3662 (VELA 3) Vela II-A | 00836 | 1964-040A | AFSSD | Jul 17, 1964 | 6020 min, 53.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| VELA 1 Vela I-B | 00692 | 1963-039C | AFSSD | Oct 17, 1963 | 6532 min, 28.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| VELA 2 Vela I-A | 00674 | 1963-039A | AFSSD | Oct 17, 1963 | 6489 min, 46.9° | Inactive | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Vela satellites are there?
The catalog lists 12 objects built on the Vela bus. 12 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.
How many Vela satellites are in orbit?
12 Vela objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the Vela bus?
The Vela bus is most commonly built by TRW.
When did the first Vela satellite launch?
The first cataloged Vela satellite launched in 1963, and the most recent in 1970.