Vortex Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-21.
The Vortex bus accounts for 6 cataloged objects, of which 6 are in orbit and 0 are active. Most are built by TRW. The largest operator on this bus is National Reconnaissance Office. The first launched in 1978, the most recent in 1989.
6
In orbit
0
Active
6
Total launched
0
Reentered
Vortex launched per year
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Vortex satellites.
| Manufacturer | TRW |
|---|---|
| Purpose | SIGINT, COMINT, ELINT |
| Launch mass | 1000 kg |
| Dry mass | 900 kg |
| Length | 6 m |
| Diameter | 2.5 m |
| Span | 30 m |
| Shape | Box + 2 Pan + Dish |
| Power | Solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | ? |
| Design life | +25 years (reached #10) |
| Equipment | ? |
| Typical orbit | 1435 min period, 6° inclination |
Top operators
Top countries
US 6
Vortex satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA 37 USA 37 | 19976 | 1989-035A | NRO/SAFSP | May 10, 1989 | 1436 min, 7.9° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 31 USA 31 | 19458 | 1988-077A | NRO/SAFSP | Sep 2, 1988 | 717 min, 27.7° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 0441 OPS 0441 | 14675 | 1984-009A | NRO/SAFSP | Jan 31, 1984 | 1435 min, 6.1° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 4029 OPS 4029 | 12930 | 1981-107A | NRO/SAFSP | Oct 31, 1981 | 1435 min, 5.6° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 1948 OPS 1948 | 11558 | 1979-086A | NRO/SAFSP | Oct 1, 1979 | 1437 min, 6.1° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 9454 OPS 9454 | 10941 | · | NRO/SAFSP | Jun 10, 1978 | · | Inactive | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Vortex satellites are there?
The catalog lists 6 objects built on the Vortex bus. 6 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.
How many Vortex satellites are in orbit?
6 Vortex objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the Vortex bus?
The Vortex bus is most commonly built by TRW.
When did the first Vortex satellite launch?
The first cataloged Vortex satellite launched in 1978, and the most recent in 1989.