VEP Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The VEP bus accounts for 3 cataloged objects, of which 2 are in orbit and 1 are active. 1 have reentered. Most are built by NASDA. The largest operator on this bus is JAXA. The first launched in 1994, the most recent in 2024.

2
In orbit
1
Active
3
Total launched
1
Reentered

VEP launched per year

1 1994: 1 object launched 1995: 0 objects launched 1996: 0 objects launched 1997: 0 objects launched 1998: 0 objects launched 1999: 0 objects launched 2000: 0 objects launched 2001: 0 objects launched 2002: 1 object launched 2003: 0 objects launched 2004: 0 objects launched 2005: 0 objects launched 2006: 0 objects launched 2007: 0 objects launched 2008: 0 objects launched 2009: 0 objects launched 2010: 0 objects launched 2011: 0 objects launched 2012: 0 objects launched 2013: 0 objects launched 2014: 0 objects launched 2015: 0 objects launched 2016: 0 objects launched 2017: 0 objects launched 2018: 0 objects launched 2019: 0 objects launched 2020: 0 objects launched 2021: 0 objects launched 2022: 0 objects launched 2023: 0 objects launched 2024: 1 launched, 1 since reentered 1994 1999 2004 2009 2014 2019 2024
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged VEP satellites.

Manufacturer NASDA
Purpose Reentry technology
Launch mass 2900 kg
Dry mass 2900 kg
Length 3 m
Diameter 0.3 m
Span 3 m
Shape Boom+disk
Power Batteries
Propulsion DOM solid motor, 2 x DFM solid motors
Typical orbit 607 min period, 29° inclination

Top operators

Top countries

J 3

VEP satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
VEP-4 VEP-4 58988 2024-032B JAXA Feb 17, 2024 98 min, 98.1° Reentered
DASH & VEP 3 VEP-3 27368 2002-003B NASDA Feb 4, 2002 607 min, 28.6° Inactive
VEP Myojo 22979 1994-007B NASDA Feb 3, 1994 637 min, 29.2° Inactive

Frequently asked questions

How many VEP satellites are there?

The catalog lists 3 objects built on the VEP bus. 2 are in orbit and 1 have reentered.

How many VEP satellites are in orbit?

2 VEP objects are currently in orbit, of which 1 carry an active status.

Who builds the VEP bus?

The VEP bus is most commonly built by NASDA.

When did the first VEP satellite launch?

The first cataloged VEP satellite launched in 1994, and the most recent in 2024.

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