How many military satellites are there?
Many satellites circling Earth belong to armed forces: they relay military communications, guide ships and aircraft, watch for missile launches and photograph the ground. Here they are by country, showing which ones you can watch live on azmth's 3D globe and why some orbits are not public.
There are 1,226 active military satellites, owned by 30 countries, counted from astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell's GCAT catalogue (14 October 2026). The United States has the most (676), followed by China (322) and Russia (121). 726 move live on azmth's 3D globe, and the 465 whose orbits are not public are all on azmth too, each with its own page: 433 as approximate orbits drawn to scale and 32 as dated entries, 21 of them with the figures their country filed with the UN (CelesTrak, 14 October 2026). 16 more carry azmth's Military* label, because their own governments say their armed forces or defence ministry own or run them (5 October 2026).
Facts as of 14 October 2026, from the sources listed below.
TL;DR· 13 min read
Most military satellites have public orbits and move live on azmth's 3D globe. The US catalogue withholds none of China's or Russia's, and it publishes most American navigation, communications and missile-warning satellites too. The ones without public orbits, mostly American imaging and signals satellites plus a few from Japan, France, Germany, Israel and Italy, are on azmth too: each has its own page with what is published about it, such as the height and tilt the public catalogue lists, drawn to scale. azmth says who published what and when, and never fills in the rest.
- 1,226active military satellitescounted from GCAT, 14 Oct 2026
- 30countriescounted from GCAT, 14 Oct 2026
- 726live on the globepublic orbits, CelesTrak, 14 Oct 2026
- 465whose orbits are not public, each with its own page433 approximate orbits, 32 dated entries (CelesTrak, 14 Oct 2026)
Military satellites by country
The United States has 676 active military satellites, China 322 and Russia 121, and 27 other countries own the remaining 107 (counted from GCAT, 14 October 2026).
How many military satellites does the United States have?
The United States has 676 active military satellites (counted from GCAT, 14 October 2026). Of these, 233 move live on azmth's 3D globe, and the 434 whose orbits are not public each have their own page (CelesTrak, 14 October 2026). On 14 October 2026, GCAT listed their three most common jobs as optical imaging (249), communications (229) and signals intelligence (50). The pages of those whose orbits are not public are linked from the full lists.
How many military satellites does China have?
China has 322 active military satellites (counted from GCAT, 14 October 2026). Of these, 311 move live on azmth's 3D globe, and the US catalogue withholds none of their orbits (CelesTrak, 14 October 2026). On 14 October 2026, GCAT listed their three most common jobs as signals intelligence (115), navigation (56) and technology testing (39).
How many military satellites does Russia have?
Russia has 121 active military satellites (counted from GCAT, 14 October 2026). Of these, 112 move live on azmth's 3D globe, and the US catalogue withholds none of their orbits (CelesTrak, 14 October 2026). On 14 October 2026, GCAT listed their three most common jobs as communications (44), navigation (35) and optical imaging (21).
Which other countries have military satellites?
Japan (17), France (14) and India (13) lead the 27 other countries that own at least one (counted from GCAT, 14 October 2026).
Active military satellites by owner country (counted from GCAT, 14 Oct 2026; CelesTrak, 14 Oct 2026). How we count explains each column.
| Country | Military (GCAT) | Live on the globe | No public orbit | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 676 | 233 | 434 | 9 |
| China | 322 | 311 | none | 11 |
| Russia | 121 | 112 | none | 9 |
| Japan | 17 | 5 | 12 | none |
| France | 14 | 7 | 6 | 1 |
| India | 13 | 13 | none | none |
| Germany | 9 | 3 | 6 | none |
| Italy | 9 | 6 | 3 | none |
| South Korea | 7 | 7 | none | none |
| United Kingdom | 5 | 4 | none | 1 |
| Israel | 4 | none | 4 | none |
| Spain | 3 | 3 | none | none |
| Egypt | 3 | 3 | none | none |
| Türkiye | 2 | 2 | none | none |
| Morocco | 2 | 2 | none | none |
| Australia | 2 | 2 | none | none |
| Singapore | 2 | 1 | none | 1 |
| Iran | 2 | none | none | 2 |
| Algeria | 2 | 2 | none | none |
| Chile | 1 | 1 | none | none |
| Canada | 1 | 1 | none | none |
| Peru | 1 | 1 | none | none |
| Brazil | 1 | 1 | none | none |
| Thailand | 1 | 1 | none | none |
| United Arab Emirates | 1 | 1 | none | none |
| Norway | 1 | 1 | none | none |
| North Korea | 1 | 1 | none | none |
| Denmark | 1 | 1 | none | none |
| Netherlands | 1 | 1 | none | none |
| Argentina | 1 | none | none | 1 |
Other: 16 with public orbits outside CelesTrak's active list, 8 with no recent orbit, and 11 that GCAT does not match to a catalogue entry (details in How we count).
(1) Includes 10 satellites GCAT marks as shared civil and military, or shared commercial and military.
(2) Beside these counts, and never added to them, 16 satellites carry Military*: Poland 4, United States 4, Netherlands 3, Finland 1, Luxembourg 1, Portugal 1, Russia 1, United Kingdom 1 (5 Oct 2026).
What Military* means
Sometimes a government says its armed forces or defence ministry own or run a satellite that GCAT classes as commercial or civil. azmth then marks it Military*, shows both, and counts it beside GCAT's figure. 16 satellites in 8 countries carry it (5 October 2026).
- ICEYE-X63 · Finland · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): commercial
The Finnish Defence Forces says the second radar satellite it owns was launched on 11 January 2026 (12 Jan 2026).
Their words
“The Defence Forces' second SAR radar satellite of their own, integrated by Exolaunch, was launched into space on 11 January 2026 on SpaceX's Twilight rideshare flight.”Finnish Defence Forces, 12 Jan 2026azmth matched the statement to this satellite: the release names the launch of 11 January 2026; of the two ICEYE satellites it carried, the US satellite catalogue lists this one with owner Finland and the other, ICEYE-X64, with owner the Netherlands.azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
Finnish: “Puolustusvoimien toinen oma SAR-tutkasatelliitti laukaistiin avaruuteen Exolaunchin integroimana 11. tammikuuta 2026 SpaceX:n Twilight-yhteiskuljetuslennolla.”
- NAOS · Luxembourg · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): commercial
Luxembourg's Chamber of Deputies says the Directorate of Defence acquired the satellite and has it run under its control (5 Feb 2024).
Their words
“an amendment (number 1) to the service contract for the operational management of the system (under the control of the Directorate of Defence) awarded to the LUXEOps consortium (REHA Luxembourg, REHA Belgique, LUXSpace, OHB-Digital)”Luxembourg's Chamber of Deputies, minutes, 5 Feb 2024azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
French: «un avenant (numéro 1) au contrat de service pour la gestion opérationnelle du système (sous le contrôle de la Direction de la Défense) attribuée au consortium LUXEOps (REHA Luxembourg, REHA Belgique, LUXSpace, OHB-Digital)»
- BIRKELAND · Netherlands · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): civil government
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence says Birkeland and Huygens, its two MilSpace2 satellites, are experimental satellites of the Netherlands armed forces (24 Jun 2025).
Their words
“The 4 SAR satellites are not the first satellites of the Netherlands armed forces, but they are the first operational ones. Defence had already launched 3 experimental satellites: in June 2021 the first nanosatellite, BRIK-II; in January 2023 two small satellites, MilSpace2 (Birkeland and Huygens).”Netherlands Ministry of Defence, 24 Jun 2025azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
Dutch: “De 4 SAR-satellieten zijn niet de eerste satellieten van de Nederlandse krijgsmacht, maar wel de eerste operationele satellieten. Eerder lanceerde defensie al 3 experimentele satellieten: In juni 2021 de eerste nanosatelliet: BRIK-II. In januari 2023 twee kleine satellieten: MilSpace2 (de Birkeland en de Huygens).”
- HUYGENS · Netherlands · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): civil government
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence says Birkeland and Huygens, its two MilSpace2 satellites, are experimental satellites of the Netherlands armed forces (24 Jun 2025).
Their words
“The 4 SAR satellites are not the first satellites of the Netherlands armed forces, but they are the first operational ones. Defence had already launched 3 experimental satellites: in June 2021 the first nanosatellite, BRIK-II; in January 2023 two small satellites, MilSpace2 (Birkeland and Huygens).”Netherlands Ministry of Defence, 24 Jun 2025azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
Dutch: “De 4 SAR-satellieten zijn niet de eerste satellieten van de Nederlandse krijgsmacht, maar wel de eerste operationele satellieten. Eerder lanceerde defensie al 3 experimentele satellieten: In juni 2021 de eerste nanosatelliet: BRIK-II. In januari 2023 twee kleine satellieten: MilSpace2 (de Birkeland en de Huygens).”
- ICEYE-X54 · Netherlands · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): commercial
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence says the satellite launched on 23 June 2025 is the first operational satellite of the Netherlands armed forces (24 Jun 2025).
Their words
“... a rocket was launched carrying the first operational satellite of the Netherlands armed forces.”Netherlands Ministry of Defence, 24 Jun 2025azmth matched the statement to this satellite: the release names the launch of 23 June 2025; of the six ICEYE satellites it carried, the US satellite catalogue lists only this one with owner the Netherlands.azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
Dutch: “...een raket gelanceerd, met aan boord de eerste operationele satelliet van de Nederlandse krijgsmacht.”
Show all 16Show fewer
- ICEYE-X62 · Poland · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): commercial
Poland's Ministry of National Defence says the MikroSAR radar satellite system, which includes this satellite, was handed over to the Polish Armed Forces (15 May 2026).
Their words
“the ceremonial handover to the Polish Armed Forces of the MikroSAR radar reconnaissance satellite system”Ministry of National Defence, 15 May 2026azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
Polish: „uroczym przekazaniu Siłom Zbrojnym RP systemu satelitarnego rozpoznania radarowego MikroSAR”
- ICEYE-X75 · Poland · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): commercial
Poland's Ministry of National Defence says two more satellites of the MikroSAR system, which it handed over to the Polish Armed Forces, were placed in orbit on 30 March 2026 (15 May 2026).
Their words
“the ceremonial handover to the Polish Armed Forces of the MikroSAR radar reconnaissance satellite system”Ministry of National Defence, 15 May 2026azmth matched the statement to this satellite: ICEYE's release for the launch of 30 March 2026 lists satellites for Poland among the six it carried, and the US satellite catalogue lists Poland as owner of two of them, this one and ICEYE-X76.azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
Polish: „uroczym przekazaniu Siłom Zbrojnym RP systemu satelitarnego rozpoznania radarowego MikroSAR”
- ICEYE-X76 · Poland · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): commercial
Poland's Ministry of National Defence says two more satellites of the MikroSAR system, which it handed over to the Polish Armed Forces, were placed in orbit on 30 March 2026 (15 May 2026).
Their words
“the ceremonial handover to the Polish Armed Forces of the MikroSAR radar reconnaissance satellite system”Ministry of National Defence, 15 May 2026azmth matched the statement to this satellite: ICEYE's release for the launch of 30 March 2026 lists satellites for Poland among the six it carried, and the US satellite catalogue lists Poland as owner of two of them, this one and ICEYE-X75.azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
Polish: „uroczym przekazaniu Siłom Zbrojnym RP systemu satelitarnego rozpoznania radarowego MikroSAR”
- ICEYE-X78 · Poland · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): commercial
Poland's Ministry of National Defence says the fourth radar satellite of the MikroSAR system, which it handed over to the Polish Armed Forces, was placed in orbit in May 2026 (15 May 2026).
Their words
“the ceremonial handover to the Polish Armed Forces of the MikroSAR radar reconnaissance satellite system”Ministry of National Defence, 15 May 2026azmth matched the statement to this satellite: ICEYE's release of 4 May 2026 says the CAS500-2 launch carried the Polish Armed Forces' fourth radar satellite and one for the Portuguese Air Force, and the US satellite catalogue lists two ICEYE satellites on that launch: this one, with owner Poland, and ICEYE-X82, with owner Portugal.azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
Polish: „uroczym przekazaniu Siłom Zbrojnym RP systemu satelitarnego rozpoznania radarowego MikroSAR”
- ICEYE-X73 · Portugal · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): commercial
The Portuguese Air Force says the satellite will be operated entirely by the Air Force (31 Mar 2026).
Their words
“The satellite will be operated entirely by the Air Force”Portuguese Air Force, 31 Mar 2026azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
Portuguese: “O satélite será integralmente operado pela Força Aérea”
- COSMOS 2595 (MOZHAETS 6) · Russia · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): civil government
Russia's Ministry of Defence says the spacecraft of this launch, Mozhaets-6 among them, were taken under control by the ground assets of the Space Forces, a branch of the Aerospace Forces (13 Sep 2025).
Their words
“At the calculated time the spacecraft were placed in the target orbit by the Fregat upper stage and were taken under control by the ground assets of the Space Forces of the Aerospace Forces.”Russian Ministry of Defence, Telegram, 13 Sep 2025azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
Russian: «В расчетное время космические аппараты выведены на целевую орбиту разгонным блоком «Фрегат» и приняты на управление наземными средствами космических войск ВКС.»
- TYCHE · United Kingdom · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): commercial
The UK Ministry of Defence says it fully owns this satellite (17 Aug 2024).
Their words
“Tyche is the first satellite to be fully owned by the Ministry of Defence.”UK Ministry of Defence, 17 Aug 2024 - EWS-G2 (GOES 15) · United States · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): civil government
The US Space Force says it accepted GOES-15 and renamed it EWS-G2, and that NOAA operates it on the Space Force's behalf (22 Sep 2023).
Their words
“the Space Force accepted GOES-15 and the satellite was re-designated EWS-G2 ... NOAA will operate EWS-G2 on behalf of the Space Force”US Space Force, 22 Sep 2023 - HBTSS-SV1 · United States · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): commercial
The US Department of Defense says this is one of two satellites for the Missile Defense Agency's HBTSS programme, and that Missile Defense Agency and Space Development Agency engineers would test them in orbit (15 Feb 2024).
Their words
“The satellites, which include two satellites for MDA's Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) ... Over the next few weeks, MDA and SDA engineers will run a series of tests and checkout procedures to ensure the satellites are operating”US Department of Defense, 15 Feb 2024 - HBTSS-SV2 · United States · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): commercial
The US Department of Defense says this is one of two satellites for the Missile Defense Agency's HBTSS programme, and that Missile Defense Agency and Space Development Agency engineers would test them in orbit (15 Feb 2024).
Their words
“The satellites, which include two satellites for MDA's Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) ... Over the next few weeks, MDA and SDA engineers will run a series of tests and checkout procedures to ensure the satellites are operating”US Department of Defense, 15 Feb 2024 - T1DES 1 (DRAGOON 1) · United States · GCAT (2 Oct 2026): commercial
The Space Development Agency says this is its own risk-reduction satellite, T1DES, and that the agency is part of the US Space Force (24 Jun 2025).
Their words
“carried to orbit SDA's single risk reduction space vehicle referred to as T1DES Proto or by the York Space Systems' name, Dragoon ... As part of the U.S. Space Force, SDA is recognized as DOD's constructive disruptor for space acquisition”Space Development Agency, 24 Jun 2025
The rule, in full
Military* marks a satellite that GCAT does not class as military, when its own government or its operator says in an official statement that its armed forces or defence ministry own it, run it or have taken it over. azmth applies the same four tests to every country.
(1) GCAT classes it differently. GCAT's class for it does not include military. When GCAT classes it as military, the asterisk drops at the next weekly update and the plain Military label takes over.
(2) An official source says so, in its own words, read on the issuer's own site or in the official document. The source is one of these:
- a release of the armed forces or the defence ministry (their departments and agencies included) saying the satellite, or the system it belongs to, was handed over to them, is owned by them or is run by them
- the state's UN registration naming a defence body as owner or operator
- a parliamentary or government record of the defence ministry's own words
- the operator's own release naming an armed force as its customer and saying the satellite was handed over to it or is run by it
(3) The statement covers this satellite. It names the satellite or its launch. When it names only the launch, azmth matches it to a satellite through the owner that the public US satellite catalogue lists for each satellite on that launch, or through the operator's own list of whom each satellite was for, and the panel says the match is azmth's.
(4) The satellite is in orbit and catalogued. It has a number in the public US satellite catalogue, and GCAT ties its entry to that number.
These never count, for any country: a company selling images, data or communications to an armed force; a military payload carried on someone else's satellite; a purchase not yet handed over; a company that a defence ministry owns; a satellite that a military university, academy or research agency builds, funds or runs for research, unless the statement says the armed forces or the defence ministry own it, run it or have taken it over; a military control network that tracks or commands a satellite as a service for another named owner; press reports, analysts' assessments and leaks.
Military* never replaces GCAT's class. The panel prints the official words and GCAT's class side by side, each with its date, and these satellites are counted beside GCAT's figure and never added to it.
(1) PIAST. Poland's three PIAST nanosatellites belong to the Military University of Technology, which Polish law treats as a military unit. The university runs them for research with civil funding, and no official source we read says the armed forces own or run them, so they carry no label.
(2) Mozhaets-6. It was built at Russia's Mozhaisky Military Space Academy. Russia's Ministry of Defence says the Aerospace Forces took it under control, so it carries Military*.
Under review (31)
31 satellites are not labelled yet. Each is listed under what it still needs to join Military*, with what is known so far.
Waiting for the handover (4)
Each joins Military* once the armed forces or the defence ministry say it was handed over to them.
- MIKROGLOB-1 (PIRX-1) · Poland
The handover to the defence ministry is planned by 31 March 2027, its builder Creotech says.
- MIKROGLOB-2 · Poland
The same handover as MIKROGLOB-1, planned by 31 March 2027.
- MIKROGLOB-3 · Poland
The same handover as MIKROGLOB-1, planned by 31 March 2027.
- MIKROGLOB-4 · Poland
The same handover as MIKROGLOB-1, planned by 31 March 2027.
Waiting for a statement about its own launch (4)
Each joins Military* when an official statement covers its own launch.
- ICEYE-X79 · Netherlands
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence's statements cover the programme; none so far covers this satellite's launch of 7 July 2026.
- ICEYE-X85 · Netherlands
Launched on 1 October 2026; the US catalogue lists the Netherlands as its owner.
- ICEYE-X43 · Brazil
The Brazilian Air Force's 2022 statement covers two earlier satellites; none so far covers this one's launch.
- ICEYE-X39 · Brazil
The Brazilian Air Force's 2022 statement covers two earlier satellites; none so far covers this one's launch.
Waiting for the official text (1)
It joins Military* once the issuer's own text is found, on its own site or in an official document.
- IMECE · Türkiye
Its handover to the Air Force is so far reported only by the press (Anadolu Agency, 23 May 2025).
Waiting for an official statement (22)
Each joins Military* when an official source says, in its own words, that the armed forces or the defence ministry own it, run it or have taken it over.
- ICEYE-X82 · Portugal
ICEYE's release, read only as a press reprint, says this launch carried a satellite for the Portuguese Air Force (4 May 2026); we found no Air Force or ministry statement.
- ICEYE-X86 · Sweden
Launched on 1 October 2026; the US catalogue lists Sweden as its owner.
- EWS-G3 (GOES 14) · United States
Its catalogue name and the owner GCAT lists point to a transfer; we found no official release yet.
- SPEAR-1A · United States
A secondary source names a company as its operator; a Navy or Defense Department statement would decide it.
- SPEAR-1B · United States
A secondary source names a company as its operator; a Navy or Defense Department statement would decide it.
- SPEAR-1C · United States
A secondary source names a company as its operator; a Navy or Defense Department statement would decide it.
- CORIOLIS · United States
Its UN registration names no owner, and we have no official statement on who owns or runs it.
- FORTE · United States
We have no official statement on who owns or runs it yet.
- PCSAT (NO-44) · United States
Built and run by the US Naval Academy; an academy satellite needs a statement that the armed forces own or run it.
- LIME · United States
GCAT lists a company, NOVI, as its owner.
- N1-ATLAS · United States
GCAT lists a company, NOVI, as its owner.
- N2-P-BODY · United States
GCAT lists a company, NOVI, as its owner.
- USA 708 · United States
The release on its launch, NROL-97, calls it 'the national security payload' and does not say who owns or runs it.
- NEOSSAT · Canada
Public accounts call it a joint project of the Canadian Space Agency and Defence Research and Development Canada; no statement says the armed forces own or run it.
- MOZHAETS 4 (RS22) · Russia
It is run by a military space academy, and Russia's UN registration names no defence body.
- OBJECT H (Paya) · Iran
An Iranian minister's words, carried by a news site, credit scientists at a ministry company and say nothing of who owns it.
- ITASAT · Brazil
An academy satellite of ITA, Brazil's aeronautics institute; no statement says the armed forces own or run it.
- JAY-C · Canada
Its builder calls it a research mission funded by Canada's defence research agency; no statement says the armed forces own or run it.
- JAY-D1 · Canada
Its builder calls it a research mission funded by Canada's defence research agency; no statement says the armed forces own or run it.
- JAY-D2 · Canada
Its builder calls it a research mission funded by Canada's defence research agency; no statement says the armed forces own or run it.
- BUCCANEER MM · Australia
Designed by DSTG, the science agency of Australia's Department of Defence; no statement names its owner or operator.
- PAUSAT-1 · Pakistan
An academy satellite, so it needs a statement that the armed forces own or run it.
A few more satellites are not catalogued or matched yet; they are checked every week. Military* adds a label beside GCAT's class and never replaces it.
One rule for every country
azmth shows each satellite as far as its orbit is public: live where the full orbit is published, as an approximate orbit where only its height and tilt are, and as a dated entry where neither is. We never work out where a satellite without a public orbit is, which way its orbit faces or when it passes overhead, and the same rule applies to every country.
In practice: (1) a Chinese reconnaissance satellite and an American navigation satellite with public orbits both move live on the globe, with the same pass predictions as any other satellite; (2) for an American or allied satellite whose orbit is not public, azmth draws at most its published height and tilt, and nothing that places it; (3) azmth never lists, counts, ranks or alerts you to military satellites near you, for any country. azmth is a place to learn what is up there, and who says so.
What military satellites do
Of the 1,226 active military satellites, GCAT lists 343 for optical imaging, 329 for communications, 179 for signals intelligence, 129 for navigation and 72 for radar imaging (14 October 2026). GCAT gives each military satellite one or more jobs, and azmth prints them in plain words; a satellite with two jobs counts under both.
| Job | Satellites |
|---|---|
| Optical imaging | 343 |
| Communications | 329 |
| Signals intelligence | 179 |
| Navigation | 129 |
| Technology test | 97 |
| Radar imaging | 72 |
| Missile warning | 38 |
| Weather | 21 |
| Space surveillance | 10 |
| Rendezvous | 7 |
| Calibration target | 5 |
| Measuring Earth | 2 |
| Earth science | 2 |
| Data relay | 1 |
Navigation satellites such as GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou are run by or with armed forces, so GCAT counts them as military; on the globe they keep their navigation colour. A few labels come from the operators' own words, such as Rendezvous for the six US Space Force GSSAP satellites; each one is listed in How we count.
Why some orbits are not public
The US catalogue publishes almost every satellite's orbit, Russia's and China's military satellites included, and lists 'National security reasons' among its grounds for withholding some (Space-Track, read 30 September 2026). On 14 October 2026 it published no full orbit for 465 active military satellites, 434 of them American.
The US line has moved
In 1999 US Space Command had NASA take US military satellites off NASA's public orbit site; a spokesman told the Washington Post: "The information is not classified, but we're making it more difficult for them to have access to it" (1 April 1999). Since October 2018 the US catalogue has published four figures for more than 700 objects it had not published before: the lowest and highest points, the time one lap takes and the tilt (Breaking Defense, 26 August 2019). Those are the figures azmth shows as approximate orbits. Today it publishes the orbits of most American navigation, communications and missile-warning satellites, and none of America's signals intelligence or radar imaging ones (GCAT 14 Oct, CelesTrak 14 Oct 2026).
Other owners
Japan's Cabinet said in 2008 that disclosing details of its Information Gathering Satellites 'could hinder future intelligence-gathering activities' (Cabinet answer, 9 December 2008). Germany's space agency, DLR, says its GESTRA tracking radar is run from a joint civil and air force centre 'because it concerns security-relevant data' (DLR, 1 April 2015). The EU's space surveillance partnership does not plan to make its catalogue public (EU SST, read 5 October 2026).
azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
Japanese: 今後の情報収集活動に支障を及ぼすおそれがある
German: „weil es sich um sicherheitsrelevante Daten handelt“
Other governments
In 2016 the head of Russia's delegation to the UN space committee said Russia would make data on US and allied military satellites public, because the US catalogue lists Russia's and withholds America's (BFM, 22 June 2016, reporting Izvestia). In 2024 China's Ministry of State Security warned about the coordinates and images of military sites on the ground, and said nothing about orbits (The Paper, 30 June 2024).
Why pass times are the sensitive part
Armed forces time their activity around when a reconnaissance satellite passes overhead; for decades the United States has run a warning service for this. Because the United States withholds its own reconnaissance satellites' orbits and publishes other countries', public pass predictions exist mostly for Chinese and Russian ones: of the 237 imaging and signals satellites on azmth's globe, 166 are Chinese, 30 Russian and 4 American (counted from GCAT, 14 Oct 2026; CelesTrak, 14 Oct 2026). azmth predicts passes for every satellite with a public orbit, as other satellite trackers do, and offers no list, count, ranking or alert of military satellites near you, for any country.
What azmth shows, and never draws
azmth draws 433 of the 465 military satellites with no public orbit as an approximate orbit, from the height and tilt the public catalogue lists, with no position, path or pass time (14 October 2026). We know of no other tracker that shows these orbits this way (searched 14 October 2026; list in How we count).
One set of figures, many orbits
Show moreShow less
Three things pin down an orbit: how big it is, how tilted it is, and which way it faces, along with where the satellite is on it. For a satellite whose orbit is withheld, the public catalogue still gives the first two: its lowest and highest points, the time one lap takes and its tilt. The third is the withheld part, and it is what would tell you when the satellite passes over a place.
So azmth draws what the public figures give. Every orbit of that size and tilt stays inside one band around Earth: turn it any way you like and it never leaves the band. The satellite's page and panel draw the orbit's size, shape and tilt to scale around a plain Earth with no map. NASA used the same idea in 2011, when it said the falling UARS satellite would 'land within a zone between 57 degrees north latitude and 57 degrees south latitude'.
Why no single ring? A ring needs a direction, and the direction is what is withheld. A ring at a made-up angle would still look like a path over real places, so azmth draws none, works out no direction from other sources and computes no pass times for these satellites.
What azmth never shows for a satellite whose orbit is not published: (1) a dot, a position, or a ring or path tracing its orbit on the globe; (2) when it passes over you, or whether you could see it; (3) the Overhead, Follow or True Scale features; (4) the spot above the equator a geostationary one keeps, even from its owner's UN filing, or which way a stretched orbit's high point faces; (5) any orbit taken from GCAT or amateur observers, any drawing made from UN filings, or which way its orbit faces, worked out from any source; (6) anything, from anyone, tying it to another satellite's orbit; (7) the time of day or site of its launch. Its panel's diagram shows only size, shape and tilt, around a plain Earth with no map, and a UN-registered orbit appears only as dated text.
Satellites with no public orbit
On 14 October 2026, 465 active military satellites had no public orbit: United States 434, Japan 12, France 6, Germany 6, Israel 4 and Italy 3. azmth shows 433 of them as an approximate orbit; the other 32 get a dated entry instead, 21 of them with the figures their country filed with the UN. CelesTrak files most of them under its own label, 'US/Allied national security objects'. Each satellite has its own page, linked from its row in the full lists below.
Space Force launches, August to September 2026
Four Falcon 9 launches put 86 satellites into orbit for the US Space Force between 16 August and 26 September 2026: USSF-366 (16 Aug, 23 satellites), USSF-153 (10 Sep, 23), USSF-259 (17 Sep, 17) and USSF-385 (26 Sep, 23). We found no official source naming their payloads; the Space Force called one launch "the USSF-259 national security mission" (17 Sep 2026). Spaceflight Now reported that for USSF-366 and USSF-153 "the Space Force revealed no details about the missions", and that USSF-385 "is thought to be the third in a series of flights to deploy satellites based on SpaceX's Starshield" (Spaceflight Now, 25 Sep 2026). GCAT files them under labels of its own, which azmth shows as GCAT's.
What governments say, and what experts say
What a government says a satellite does and what an independent expert concludes can differ. azmth prints both, each with its source and date, and lets you weigh them.
Yaogan-53 and Yaogan-56 (China)
China's launch notice on CNSA's website says the six Yaogan-53 and Yaogan-56 satellites launched on 10 September 2026 are 'mainly used for science experiments, land resource survey, agricultural yield estimation and disaster prevention' (CNSA, 11 Sep 2026); GCAT classes all six as military satellites for signals intelligence. Of 55 launch notices for Yaogan, TJS, Shiyan, Shijian and CSSHQ satellites since 2023 that state a purpose, 19 use civil wording like this, and GCAT classes 18 of those as military (counted 5 Oct 2026).
azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
Chinese: 主要用于科学试验、国土资源普查、农产品估产和防灾减灾等领域
ALSAT-3A (Algeria, 15 Jan 2026)
Algeria's defence ministry speaks of 'satellite surveillance' and 'geospatial intelligence' (the ministry's communiqué, carried by Radio Algérienne); the Chinese launch notice on CNSA's website says 'land planning and disaster prevention' (CNSA).
azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
French: «surveillance satellitaire»
French: «renseignement géospatial»
Chinese: 土地规划和防灾减灾
Russia
Of Russia's 20 defence launches from February 2024 to 5 October 2026, 19 have a Ministry of Defence Telegram post; 18 of those posts use the words 'in the interests of the Russian Ministry of Defence' (a post of 17 May 2024), and no post names a satellite launched for the ministry or says what it is for. The one satellite a post names is Mozhaets-6, a training satellite built by a student of the Mozhaisky Military Space Academy (13 September 2025).
azmth's translation · Show originalHide original
Russian: «в интересах Минобороны России»
The National Reconnaissance Office (United States)
The NRO counts the launches of its large constellation and names no sensor; its most specific sentence covers the whole constellation, names no single satellite and mentions 'the ground moving target indicator mission' (NRO, 11 May 2026).
Amateur observers
Much of what the public knows about withheld orbits comes from amateur observers such as Ted Molczan, Marco Langbroek and Mike McCants, who photograph satellites against the stars and publish what they measure. azmth credits their findings by name and date and does not use their orbit data.
Timeline
The dated moments behind this page.
- 1965 or the 1990sSATRAN, the US warning service for foreign reconnaissance passes (dated to 1965 by the National Security Archive; fielded in the 1990s, per a 2025 Air University paper).
- 19 Feb 1999US Space Command directs that US military satellites be removed from NASA's public orbit site.
- 2004 to 2006Download restrictions on public US orbit data, as described by Bill Gray (Project Pluto, 13 Nov 2006).
- June 2007French officials say they will use their GRAVES radar's detections to press the US to stop publishing the orbits of French satellites (an intention; we found no outcome).
- 5 Feb 2008NRO spokesmen say they would prefer hobbyists not publish their findings (New York Times).
- 9 Dec 2008Japan's Cabinet gives its reason for withholding details of its Information Gathering Satellites (IGS).
- 8 Jan 2018Zuma (USA 280) launches; GCAT records it as reentered about the same day.
- October 2018A US policy releases basic orbital figures for more than 700 objects.
- May 2024The United States tells the UN Security Council that a Russian satellite launched that month is likely a weapon for attacking other satellites; Russian officials call the claim fake news.
- 22 May 2024First launch for the NRO's large constellation.
- 11 Jul 2026The public catalogue runs out of five-digit numbers.
- 16 Aug to 26 Sep 2026Four Space Force launches put 86 satellites in orbit.
- 2 Oct 2026NROL-97 launches USA 708.
- 4 Oct 2026CelesTrak's Restricted Objects list reaches 460 entries.
The full lists
Each satellite below has a row with what is published about it.
Approximate orbits (433)
Each has a height and tilt listed on 14 Oct 2026 (US satellites by CelesTrak and Space-Track.org, allied satellites by CelesTrak), and its page and its panel draw that orbit to scale. azmth shows no position, path or pass time for any of them.
- CSO 2 · France · launched 29 Dec 2020
Approximate orbit
- CSO-3 · France · launched 6 Mar 2025
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- IGS 8A (GCAT: JSE reda-4 gouki) · Japan · launched 27 Jan 2013
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- IGS 9A (GCAT: JSE reda yobi-ki) · Japan · launched 1 Feb 2015
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- LIMASAT · United States · launched 22 Aug 2025
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Show all 433Show fewer
- OFEQ 9 · Israel · launched 22 Jun 2010
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- OPTSAT-3000 · Italy · launched 2 Aug 2017
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- SAR-LUPE 1 · Germany · launched 19 Dec 2006
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- SAR-LUPE 4 · Germany · launched 27 Mar 2008
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- SAR-LUPE 5 · Germany · launched 22 Jul 2008
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- SICRAL 1B · Italy · launched 20 Apr 2009
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- STSS ATRR (USA 205) · United States · launched 5 May 2009
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- USA 37 · United States · launched 10 May 1989
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- USA 103 · United States · launched 3 May 1994
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- USA 105 · United States · launched 27 Aug 1994
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- USA 110 · United States · launched 14 May 1995
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- USA 112 · United States · launched 10 Jul 1995
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- USA 118 · United States · launched 24 Apr 1996
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- USA 139 · United States · launched 9 May 1998
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- USA 155 · United States · launched 6 Dec 2000
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- USA 162 · United States · launched 11 Oct 2001
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- USA 171 · United States · launched 9 Sep 2003
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- USA 179 · United States · launched 31 Aug 2004
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- USA 181 · United States · launched 3 Feb 2005
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- USA 181 DEB · United States · launched 3 Feb 2005
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- USA 184 · United States · launched 28 Jun 2006
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- USA 186 · United States · launched 19 Oct 2005
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- USA 194 · United States · launched 15 Jun 2007
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- USA 194 DEB · United States · launched 15 Jun 2007
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- USA 198 · United States · launched 10 Dec 2007
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- USA 200 · United States · launched 13 Mar 2008
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- USA 202 · United States · launched 18 Jan 2009
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- USA 207 · United States · launched 8 Sep 2009
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- USA 215 · United States · launched 21 Sep 2010
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- USA 223 · United States · launched 21 Nov 2010
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- USA 224 · United States · launched 20 Jan 2011
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- USA 229 · United States · launched 15 Apr 2011
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- USA 229 DEB · United States · launched 15 Apr 2011
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- USA 234 · United States · launched 3 Apr 2012
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- USA 236 · United States · launched 20 Jun 2012
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- USA 237 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2012
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- USA 238 · United States · launched 13 Sep 2012
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- USA 238 DEB · United States · launched 13 Sep 2012
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- USA 245 · United States · launched 28 Aug 2013
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- USA 247 · United States · launched 6 Dec 2013
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- USA 250 · United States · launched 10 Apr 2014
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- USA 252 · United States · launched 22 May 2014
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- USA 257 (CLIO) · United States · launched 17 Sep 2014
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- USA 259 · United States · launched 13 Dec 2014
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- USA 264 · United States · launched 8 Oct 2015
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- USA 264 DEB · United States · launched 8 Oct 2015
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- USA 267 · United States · launched 10 Feb 2016
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- USA 268 · United States · launched 11 Jun 2016
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- USA 269 · United States · launched 28 Jul 2016
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- USA 274 · United States · launched 1 Mar 2017
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- USA 274 DEB · United States · launched 1 Mar 2017
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- USA 276 · United States · launched 1 May 2017
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- USA 278 · United States · launched 24 Sep 2017
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- USA 279 · United States · launched 15 Oct 2017
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- USA 281 · United States · launched 12 Jan 2018
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- USA 290 · United States · launched 19 Jan 2019
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- USA 301 · United States · launched 13 Jun 2020
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- USA 303 · United States · launched 13 Jun 2020
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- USA 310 · United States · launched 13 Nov 2020
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- USA 311 · United States · launched 11 Dec 2020
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- USA 312 · United States · launched 19 Dec 2020
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- USA 313 · United States · launched 19 Dec 2020
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- USA 314 · United States · launched 26 Apr 2021
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- USA 316 · United States · launched 15 Jun 2021
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- USA 317 · United States · launched 15 Jun 2021
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- USA 318 · United States · launched 15 Jun 2021
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- USA 326 · United States · launched 2 Feb 2022
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- USA 327 · United States · launched 17 Apr 2022
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- USA 328 · United States · launched 19 Jun 2022
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- USA 329 · United States · launched 19 Jun 2022
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- USA 330 · United States · launched 19 Jun 2022
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- USA 331 · United States · launched 19 Jun 2022
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- USA 333 · United States · launched 1 Jul 2022
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- USA 334 · United States · launched 13 Jul 2022
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- USA 335 · United States · launched 4 Aug 2022
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- USA 337 · United States · launched 1 Jul 2022
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- USA 339 · United States · launched 1 Nov 2022
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- USA 344 · United States · launched 1 Nov 2022
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- USA 345 · United States · launched 22 Jun 2023
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- USA 346 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2023
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- USA 350 · United States · launched 19 Mar 2024
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- USA 351 · United States · launched 19 Mar 2024
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- USA 352 · United States · launched 21 Mar 2024
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- USA 353 · United States · launched 9 Apr 2024
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- USA 354 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 355 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 356 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 357 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 358 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 359 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 360 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 361 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 362 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 363 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 364 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 365 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 366 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 367 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 368 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 369 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 370 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 371 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 372 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 373 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 374 · United States · launched 22 May 2024
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- USA 375 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 376 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 377 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 378 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 379 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 380 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 381 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 382 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 383 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 384 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 385 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 386 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 387 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 388 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 389 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 390 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 391 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 392 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 393 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 394 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 395 · United States · launched 29 Jun 2024
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- USA 396 · United States · launched 30 Jul 2024
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- USA 397 · United States · launched 30 Jul 2024
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- USA 398 · United States · launched 30 Jul 2024
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- USA 399 · United States · launched 1 Nov 2022
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- USA 400 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 401 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 402 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 403 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 404 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 405 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 406 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 407 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 408 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 409 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 410 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 411 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 412 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 413 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 414 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 415 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 416 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 417 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 418 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 419 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 420 · United States · launched 6 Sep 2024
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- USA 421 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 422 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 423 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 424 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 425 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 426 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 427 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 428 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 429 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 430 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 431 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 432 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 433 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 434 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 435 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 436 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 437 · United States · launched 24 Oct 2024
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- USA 438 · United States · launched 30 Nov 2024
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- USA 439 · United States · launched 30 Nov 2024
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- USA 441 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 442 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 443 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 444 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 445 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 446 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 447 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 448 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 449 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 450 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 451 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 452 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 453 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 454 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 455 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 456 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 457 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 458 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 459 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 460 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 461 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 462 · United States · launched 17 Dec 2024
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- USA 463 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 464 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 465 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 466 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 467 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 468 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 469 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 470 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 471 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 472 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 473 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 474 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 475 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 476 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 477 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 478 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 479 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 480 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 481 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 482 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 483 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 484 · United States · launched 10 Jan 2025
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- USA 487 · United States · launched 21 Mar 2025
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- USA 488 · United States · launched 21 Mar 2025
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- USA 489 · United States · launched 21 Mar 2025
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- USA 490 · United States · launched 21 Mar 2025
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- USA 491 · United States · launched 21 Mar 2025
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- USA 492 · United States · launched 21 Mar 2025
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- USA 493 · United States · launched 21 Mar 2025
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- USA 494 · United States · launched 21 Mar 2025
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- USA 495 · United States · launched 21 Mar 2025
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- USA 496 · United States · launched 21 Mar 2025
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- USA 497 · United States · launched 21 Mar 2025
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- USA 498 · United States · launched 24 Mar 2025
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- USA 499 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 500 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 501 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 502 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 503 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 504 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 505 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 506 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 507 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 508 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 509 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 510 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 511 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 512 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 513 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 514 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 515 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 516 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 517 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 518 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 519 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 520 · United States · launched 12 Apr 2025
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- USA 521 · United States · launched 16 Apr 2025
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- USA 522 · United States · launched 16 Apr 2025
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- USA 523 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 524 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 525 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 526 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 527 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 528 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 529 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 530 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 531 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 532 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 533 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 534 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 535 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 536 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 537 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 538 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 539 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 540 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 541 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 542 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 543 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 544 · United States · launched 20 Apr 2025
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- USA 546 · United States · launched 1 Nov 2022
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- USA 547 · United States · launched 1 Nov 2022
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- USA 548 · United States · launched 1 Nov 2022
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- USA 549 · United States · launched 31 Jul 2025
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- USA 550 · United States · launched 31 Jul 2025
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- USA 551 · United States · launched 1 Nov 2022
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- USA 552 · United States · launched 1 Nov 2022
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- USA 553 · United States · launched 1 Nov 2022
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- USA 554 · United States · launched 13 Aug 2025
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- USA 556 · United States · launched 1 Nov 2022
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- USA 557 · United States · launched 1 Nov 2022
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- USA 558 · United States · launched 22 Sep 2025
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- USA 559 · United States · launched 22 Sep 2025
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- USA 560 · United States · launched 22 Sep 2025
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- USA 561 · United States · launched 22 Sep 2025
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- USA 562 · United States · launched 22 Sep 2025
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- USA 563 · United States · launched 22 Sep 2025
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- USA 564 · United States · launched 22 Sep 2025
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- USA 565 · United States · launched 22 Sep 2025
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- USA 566 · United States · launched 30 Jul 2024
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- USA 567 · United States · launched 30 Jul 2024
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- USA 568 · United States · launched 30 Jul 2024
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- USA 569 · United States · launched 30 Jul 2024
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- USA 570 · United States · launched 9 Dec 2025
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- USA 571 · United States · launched 13 Aug 2025
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- USA 572 · United States · launched 17 Jan 2026
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- USA 573 · United States · launched 17 Jan 2026
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- USA 574 · United States · launched 17 Jan 2026
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- USA 575 · United States · launched 17 Jan 2026
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- USA 576 · United States · launched 17 Jan 2026
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- USA 577 · United States · launched 17 Jan 2026
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- USA 578 · United States · launched 17 Jan 2026
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- USA 579 · United States · launched 17 Jan 2026
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- USA 580 · United States · launched 17 Jan 2026
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- USA 582 · United States · launched 12 Feb 2026
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- USA 583 · United States · launched 12 Feb 2026
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- USA 584 · United States · launched 12 Feb 2026
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- USA 586 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 587 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 588 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 589 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 590 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 591 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 592 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 593 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 594 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 595 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 596 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 597 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 598 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 599 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 600 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 601 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 602 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 603 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 604 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 605 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 606 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 607 · United States · launched 12 May 2026
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- USA 608 · United States · launched 7 Jun 2026
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- USA 609 · United States · launched 7 Jun 2026
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- USA 610 · United States · launched 19 Jun 2026
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- USA 611 · United States · launched 19 Jun 2026
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- USA 612 · United States · launched 19 Jun 2026
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- USA 613 · United States · launched 19 Jun 2026
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- USA 614 · United States · launched 19 Jun 2026
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- USA 615 · United States · launched 19 Jun 2026
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- USA 616 · United States · launched 19 Jun 2026
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- USA 617 · United States · launched 19 Jun 2026
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- USA 618 · United States · launched 19 Jun 2026
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- USA 620 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
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- USA 621 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
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- USA 622 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
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- USA 623 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
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- USA 624 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
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- USA 625 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
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- USA 626 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 627 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 628 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 629 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 630 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 631 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 632 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 633 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 634 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 635 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 636 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 637 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 638 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 639 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 640 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 641 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 642 · United States · launched 16 Aug 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 644 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 645 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 646 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 647 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 648 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 649 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 650 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 651 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 652 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 653 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 654 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 655 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 656 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 657 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 658 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 659 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 660 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 661 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 662 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 663 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 664 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 665 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 666 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 668 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 669 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 670 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 671 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 672 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 673 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 674 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 675 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 676 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 677 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 678 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 679 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 680 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 681 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 682 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 683 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 684 · United States · launched 17 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 685 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Approximate orbit
- USA 686 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 687 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 688 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 689 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 690 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 691 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 692 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 693 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 694 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 695 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 696 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 697 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 698 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 699 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 700 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 701 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 702 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 703 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 704 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 705 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 706 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
- USA 707 · United States · launched 26 Sep 2026
Orbit not published yet
No height or tilt in the public catalogue (30)
- CERES 1 · France · launched 16 Nov 2021
France's UN registration gives its orbit as about 698 to 699 km up, tilted 75.0°, 98.7 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/1047, 17 May 2022). Its current orbit is not published. France gives its function as “Earth observation”.
- CERES 2 · France · launched 16 Nov 2021
France's UN registration gives its orbit as about 697 to 699 km up, tilted 75.0°, 98.7 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/1047, 17 May 2022). Its current orbit is not published. France gives its function as “Earth observation”.
- CERES 3 · France · launched 16 Nov 2021
France's UN registration gives its orbit as about 646 to 648 km up, tilted 75.0°, 97.7 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/1047, 17 May 2022). Its current orbit is not published. France gives its function as “Earth observation”.
- CSO-1 · France · launched 19 Dec 2018
France's UN registration gives its height as about 800 km up, with no tilt or period (ST/SG/SER.E/886, 20 Dec 2019). Its current orbit is not published. France gives its function as “Defence satellite”.
- DSN-2 (GCAT: Kirameki 2) · Japan · launched 24 Jan 2017
Japan's UN registration gives its orbit as about 35,781 to 35,795 km up, tilted 0.0°, 1,436 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/846, 10 Aug 2018). Its current orbit is not published. Japan gives its function as “Communications”.
Show all 30Show fewer
- IGS 7A (GCAT: JSE reda-3 gouki) · Japan · launched 12 Dec 2011
Japan's UN registration gives its orbit as about 511 to 529 km up, tilted 97.5°, 95 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/644, 19 Apr 2012). Its current orbit is not published. Japan gives its function as “Satellite conducting missions assigned by the Government of Japan”.
- IGS O-5 (GCAT: JSE kougaku 5 gouki) · Japan · launched 26 Mar 2015
Japan's UN registration gives its orbit as about 483 to 498 km up, tilted 97.3°, 94 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/766, 18 Mar 2016). Its current orbit is not published. Japan gives its function as “Satellite conducting missions assigned by the Government of Japan”.
- IGS O-6 (GCAT: JSE kougaku 6 gouki) · Japan · launched 27 Feb 2018
Japan's UN registration gives its orbit as about 498 to 513 km up, tilted 97.4°, 95 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/846, 10 Aug 2018). Its current orbit is not published. Japan gives its function as “Satellite conducting missions assigned by the Government of Japan”.
- IGS O-7 (GCAT: JSE kougaku 7 gouki) · Japan · launched 9 Feb 2020
Japan's UN registration gives its orbit as about 499 to 513 km up, tilted 97.3°, 95 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/1011, 22 Oct 2021). Its current orbit is not published. Japan gives its function as “Satellite conducting missions assigned by the Government of Japan”.
- IGS O-8 (GCAT: JSE kougaku 8 gouki) · Japan · launched 12 Jan 2024
Japan's UN registration gives its orbit as about 463 to 487 km up, tilted 97.3°, 94 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/1240, 31 Jul 2025). Its current orbit is not published. Japan gives its function as “Satellite conducting missions assigned by the Government of Japan”.
- IGS R-5 (GCAT: JSE reda-5 gouki) · Japan · launched 17 Mar 2017
Japan's UN registration gives its orbit as about 496 to 514 km up, tilted 97.4°, 95 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/846, 10 Aug 2018). Its current orbit is not published. Japan gives its function as “Satellite conducting missions assigned by the Government of Japan”.
- IGS R-6 (GCAT: JSE reda-6 gouki) · Japan · launched 12 Jun 2018
Japan's UN registration gives its orbit as about 497 to 516 km up, tilted 97.4°, 95 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/862, 31 Oct 2018). Its current orbit is not published. Japan gives its function as “Satellite conducting missions assigned by the Government of Japan”.
- IGS R-7 (GCAT: JSE reda-7 gouki) · Japan · launched 26 Jan 2023
Japan's UN registration gives its orbit as about 499 to 516 km up, tilted 97.4°, 95 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/1132, 3 Aug 2023). Its current orbit is not published. Japan gives its function as “Satellite conducting missions assigned by the Government of Japan”.
- IGS R-8 (GCAT: JSE reda-8 gouki) · Japan · launched 26 Sep 2024
Japan has registered it with the UN in ST/SG/SER.E/1292, which is not published yet (UN register, checked 30 Sep 2026).
- OFEQ 13 · Israel · launched 28 Mar 2023
Not registered with the UN (UN register, checked 30 Sep 2026).
- OFEQ 16 · Israel · launched 6 Jul 2020
Not registered with the UN (UN register, checked 30 Sep 2026).
- OFEQ 19 · Israel · launched 2 Sep 2025
Not registered with the UN (UN register, checked 30 Sep 2026).
- SARAH-1 · Germany · launched 18 Jun 2022
Not registered with the UN (UN register, checked 30 Sep 2026).
- SARAH-2 · Germany · launched 24 Dec 2023
Not registered with the UN (UN register, checked 30 Sep 2026).
- SARAH-3 · Germany · launched 24 Dec 2023
Not registered with the UN (UN register, checked 30 Sep 2026).
- SES-16 (GOVSAT-1) · Luxembourg · launched 31 Jan 2018
Luxembourg's UN registration gives its orbit as about 35,752 to 35,820 km up, tilted 0.1°, 1,435.8 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/1043, 29 Jun 2022). Its current orbit is not published. Luxembourg gives its function as “Government and institutional communication services”.
- SICRAL 2 · Italy · launched 26 Apr 2015
Italy's UN registration gives its orbit as about 35,794 to 35,796 km up, tilted 0.0°, 1,440 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/779, 1 Nov 2016). Its current orbit is not published. Italy gives its function as “Military telecommunications satellite with a nominal 15 years lifetime”.
- USA 305 · United States · launched 15 Jul 2020
The United States' UN registration gives its orbit as about 577 to 579 km up, tilted 53.9°, 96.2 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/951, 16 Sep 2020). Its current orbit is not published. The United States gives its function as “Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communications”.
- USA 338 · United States · launched 24 Sep 2022
The United States' UN registration gives its orbit as about 354 to 408 km up, tilted 73.6°, 92.2 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/1082, 30 Nov 2022). Its current orbit is not published. The United States gives its function as “Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communications”.
- USA 341 · United States · launched 1 Nov 2022
The United States registered the orbit it was launched into: about 185 to 36,642 km up, tilted 26.3°, 647.5 min a lap (ST/SG/SER.E/1110, 4 May 2023). Where it works now is not published. The United States gives its function as “Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communications”.
- USA 555 (GCAT: X-37B OTV-8) · United States · launched 22 Aug 2025
The United States has registered it with the UN in ST/SG/SER.E/1314, which is not published yet (UN register, checked 30 Sep 2026).
- USA 619 · United States · launched 30 Jul 2026
No published UN registration yet: the UN has published United States registrations for launches up to June 2025 (checked 30 Sep 2026).
- USA 643 · United States · launched 12 Feb 2026
No published UN registration yet: the UN has published United States registrations for launches up to June 2025 (checked 30 Sep 2026).
- USA 667 · United States · launched 30 Jul 2024
No published UN registration yet: the UN has published United States registrations for launches up to June 2025 (checked 30 Sep 2026).
- USA 708 · United States · launched 2 Oct 2026
No published UN registration yet: the UN has published United States registrations for launches up to June 2025 (checked 30 Sep 2026).
Mission ended (10)
USA 136 stays in azmth's count: GCAT lists it as still transmitting.
- IGS 5A (GCAT: JSE kougaku-3 gouki) · Japan · launched 28 Nov 2009
Mission ended 2014, as GCAT records it.
- IGS 6A (GCAT: JSE kougaku 4 gouki) · Japan · launched 23 Sep 2011
Mission ended about Apr 2019, as GCAT records it.
- STPSAT-2 (USA 217) · United States · launched 20 Nov 2010
Mission ended about 2019, as GCAT records it.
- USA 136 · United States · launched 8 Nov 1997
Mission ended about 2008, still transmitting, as GCAT records it.
- USA 225 · United States · launched 6 Feb 2011
Mission ended about 2020, as GCAT records it.
Show all 10Show fewer
- USA 227 · United States · launched 11 Mar 2011
Mission ended about 2021, as GCAT records it.
- USA 284 (GCAT: EAGLE) · United States · launched 14 Apr 2018
Mission ended about 2021, as GCAT records it.
- USA 287 (GCAT: MYCROFT) · United States · launched 14 Apr 2018
Mission ended Mar 2022, as GCAT records it.
- USA 347 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2023
Mission ended about 10 Sep 2023, as GCAT records it.
- USA 348 · United States · launched 10 Sep 2023
Mission ended about 10 Sep 2023, as GCAT records it.
Orbit may be out of date (3)
- AENEAS · United States · launched 13 Sep 2012
The public catalogue lists it at 390 to 416 km up; that listing may be out of date.
- FALCONSAT-8 · United States · launched 17 May 2020
The public catalogue lists it at 436 to 443 km up; that listing may be out of date.
- USA 302 · United States · launched 13 Jun 2020
The public catalogue lists it at 433 to 439 km up; that listing may be out of date.
No longer in orbit (18)
The public catalogue still lists these 18 as active, with no public orbit (CelesTrak, 14 Oct 2026). GCAT records each as reentered or deorbited (14 Oct 2026), and azmth follows GCAT: none is drawn or counted as in orbit.
- BRICSAT-P (NO-83) · United States · launched 20 May 2015
Reentered about 2024, as GCAT records it.
- GEARRS-2 · United States · launched 20 May 2015
Reentered about 2022, as GCAT records it.
- OPTICUBE 01 · United States · launched 20 May 2015
Reentered about 2022, as GCAT records it.
- OPTICUBE 02 · United States · launched 20 May 2015
Reentered about 2023, as GCAT records it.
- OPTICUBE 03 · United States · launched 20 May 2015
Reentered about 2023, as GCAT records it.
Show all 18Show fewer
- PARKINSONSAT (PSAT) · United States · launched 20 May 2015
Reentered about 23 Dec 2021, as GCAT records it.
- USA 133 · United States · launched 24 Oct 1997
Deorbited about 8 Oct 2011, as GCAT records it.
- USA 152 · United States · launched 17 Aug 2000
Deorbited about Mar 2014, as GCAT records it.
- USA 182 · United States · launched 30 Apr 2005
Deorbited about Apr 2022, as GCAT records it.
- USA 280 (ZUMA) · United States · launched 8 Jan 2018
Reentered about 8 Jan 2018, as GCAT records it.
- USA 294 · United States · launched 31 Jan 2020
Reentered about 2025, as GCAT records it.
- USA 295 · United States · launched 7 Sep 2017
Reentered about 2019, as GCAT records it.
- USA 296 · United States · launched 7 Sep 2017
Reentered about 2019, as GCAT records it.
- USA 297 · United States · launched 7 Sep 2017
Reentered about 2019, as GCAT records it.
- USA 300 · United States · launched 17 May 2020
Reentered about Jan 2023, as GCAT records it.
- USA 306 · United States · launched 15 Jul 2020
Reentered about 2026, as GCAT records it.
- USA 307 · United States · launched 15 Jul 2020
Reentered about 2026, as GCAT records it.
- USA 308 · United States · launched 15 Jul 2020
Reentered about 2026, as GCAT records it.
Recent launches
USSF-385, launched 26 Sep 2026
USA 685 to USA 707 (23), catalogued with a listed height and tilt.
The public catalogue lists them at 292 to 342 km up, tilted about 70° (14 Oct 2026). None has a published orbit: USA 685's is not available, and the other 22 are not published yet.
GCAT classes all 23 as military satellites, listing their owner as US Space Force Space Systems Command (14 Oct 2026).
We found no official source naming their payload.
Spaceflight Now reported that this launch "is thought to be the third in a series of flights to deploy satellites based on SpaceX's Starshield" (Spaceflight Now, 25 Sep 2026).
USSF-259, launched 17 Sep 2026
USA 668 to USA 684 (17), catalogued with a listed height and tilt.
GCAT classes all 17 as military satellites, listing their owner as US Space Force Space Systems Command (14 Oct 2026).
Official words: "... carrying the USSF-259 national security mission ..." (US Space Force, 17 Sep 2026).
No recent orbit (8)
Their public orbits have not been updated in 30 days (CelesTrak, 14 Oct 2026). They return to the globe when a new orbit is published.
- BEIDOU-2 IGSO-1 (GCAT: Beidou DW 5) · China
Its last public orbit dates from 13 Sep 2026. Last listed: 35,548 to 36,020 km up, tilted 54.3°, 1,436.0 min a lap. The reason is not published.
- COSMOS 2546 (EKS 4) · Russia
Its last public orbit dates from 31 Aug 2026. Last listed: 1,283 to 39,079 km up, tilted 63.2°, 717.9 min a lap. The reason is not published.
- DS-SAR · Singapore
Its last public orbit dates from 9 Aug 2025. Last listed: 507 to 540 km up, tilted 5.0°, 95.1 min a lap. The reason is not published.
- SYRACUSE 3A · France
Its last public orbit dates from 11 Sep 2026. Last listed: 35,775 to 35,796 km up, tilted 4.9°, 1,436.0 min a lap. The reason is not published.
- TJS-21 (GCAT: Tongxin Jishu Shiyan 21) · China
Its last public orbit dates from 25 Mar 2026. Last listed: 2,034 to 38,319 km up, tilted 63.3°, 717.7 min a lap. The reason is not published.
Show all 8Show fewer
- USA 324 · United States
Its last public orbit dates from 6 Jun 2026. Last listed: 35,769 to 35,822 km up, tilted 0.8°, 1,436.5 min a lap. The reason is not published.
- USA 325 · United States
Its last public orbit dates from 6 Jan 2026. Last listed: 35,771 to 35,802 km up, tilted 0.6°, 1,436.1 min a lap. The reason is not published.
- USA 340 · United States
Its last public orbit dates from 12 Jun 2025. Last listed: 35,204 to 36,567 km up, tilted 4.5°, 1,441.2 min a lap. The reason is not published.
Public orbits, listed separately (16)
Military satellites with current public orbits outside CelesTrak's active list (14 Oct 2026), so azmth's globe does not show them.
- COSMOS 2431 [GLONASS-M] (GCAT: Kosmos-2433) · Russia
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
- COSMOS 2432 [GLONASS-M] · Russia
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
- COSMOS 2454 · Russia
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
- COSMOS 2461 [GLONASS-M] · Russia
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
- COSMOS 2499 (RS47) · Russia
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
Show all 16Show fewer
- COSMOS 2553 · Russia
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
- CZ-2F DEB (GCAT: CSSHQ Subsatellite 3) · China
Docked to PRC TEST SPACECRAFT 4, according to GCAT.
- CZ-6A DEB (GCAT: Yaogan 40-03-01) · China
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
- LDPE-1 · United States
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
- LDPE-3A · United States
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
- NAVSTAR 47 (USA 150; GCAT: GPS IIR-4) · United States
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
- OBJECT C (GCAT: Kosmos-2558 subsatellite) · Russia
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
- OBJECT D (GCAT: Kosmos-2571 subsat) · Russia
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
- OPS 6391 (FLTSATCOM 1; GCAT: FLTSATCOM F1) · United States
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
- SHIYAN-32 01 · China
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
- SKYNET 4C · United Kingdom
Public orbit outside CelesTrak's active list.
Object not identified by GCAT (11)
GCAT lists 11 active military satellites it does not match to a catalogue entry. For 9 of them, a public object from the same launch already moves on azmth's globe under a placeholder name, but GCAT does not say which is which, so azmth labels none of them.
Frequently asked
How many military satellites are there?
There are 1,226 active military satellites, owned by 30 countries, counted from astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell's GCAT catalogue (14 October 2026). Of these, 726 move live on azmth's 3D globe, and the 465 whose orbits are not public each have their own page with what is published about them (CelesTrak, 14 October 2026).
How many spy satellites are there?
Of the 1,226 active military satellites, 586 are military-only satellites that take pictures, make radar images or collect radio signals: 336 optical imaging, 71 radar imaging and 179 signals intelligence (counted from GCAT, 14 October 2026).
Which country has the most military satellites?
The United States, with 676 active military satellites, then China with 322 and Russia with 121, counted from astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell's GCAT catalogue (14 October 2026).
Why do counts of military satellites differ?
Each count has its own definition and date. The figures several sites still repeat (US 247, China 157, Russia 110) date from 2023 and are credited to the Union of Concerned Scientists' satellite database. azmth counts the active military satellites in GCAT every Monday: US 676, China 322 and Russia 121 on 14 October 2026.
Why can't I see some military satellites on azmth's globe?
Their orbits are not published, so azmth shows no live position for them, but each has its own page, and all of them are in search and in the full lists on this page. On 14 October 2026, 433 of the 465 had an approximate orbit, drawn to scale from the height and tilt the public catalogue lists, and the other 32 had a dated entry.
Does azmth show Chinese and Russian military satellites?
Yes, live, like any satellite with a public orbit: 311 Chinese and 112 Russian on 14 October 2026.
Does azmth predict passes for military satellites?
azmth predicts passes for every satellite whose orbit is published, military or not, and has no list, count, ranking or alert of military satellites near you. It predicts nothing for satellites whose orbits are not published.
What is an approximate orbit?
The height and tilt listed for a satellite whose full orbit is not published. azmth draws it to scale, with no position or path.
What does Military* mean?
GCAT does not class the satellite as military, but its own government or operator says its armed forces or defence ministry own or run it. azmth shows both, with their dates, and counts these satellites beside GCAT's figure: 16 on 5 October 2026.
How we count
azmth counts the satellites GCAT classes as military and lists as active, rebuilds the count every Monday from GCAT and the public US catalogue, and prints each source's date beside each figure.
What we count
A military satellite is one that GCAT lists as active and classes as defence ('Defense (govt. military, intelligence)', class D) or as shared use (BD, commercial and military; CD, civil and military). The count leaves out the old US satellites GCAT flags as zombies (they only beam a signal). Six Russian satellites GCAT has not classed (Kosmos-2609? to 2614?) take the Military colour on the globe because GCAT lists their owner as a military organisation; azmth's count does not include them. GCAT's class is one expert's judgement, 'usually based on the status of the owner/operator organization, but with some exceptions'; McDowell writes that 'identifications of secret satellites with particular programs and orbits mostly have a high degree of confidence'. On 5 October 2026 GCAT classed 16 satellites as commercial or civil although their own governments say their armed forces or defence ministry own or run them; azmth marks them Military* and counts them beside GCAT's figure, never inside it. Russia's and China's 'No public orbit' cells read 'none' because the US catalogue withholds none of their satellites. The table's Other column adds three groups: public orbits outside CelesTrak's active list, no recent orbit, and GCAT entries with no identified object.
Satellites from a new launch join the count once the public catalogue lists them.
The FAQ's count of satellites that take pictures, make radar images or collect radio signals covers military-only satellites, GCAT's class D, and leaves out missile warning. The 8 imaging satellites GCAT marks as shared with civil or commercial users are not counted there, and 31 of the 586 have jobs GCAT marks unconfirmed.
Status
Status words are GCAT's. McDowell writes: 'I only infrequently update the active/not-active status of satellites and in any case the status is often a guess, if the satellite does not actively manuever' (GCAT, spelling as GCAT's). Where GCAT marks a value with '?', azmth prints 'about' before a date and '(unconfirmed)' after a mission.
Where orbits come from
Orbits of public satellites: the US satellite catalogue, kept by the 18th Space Defense Squadron for US Space Command, from Space-Track.org and CelesTrak. Heights and tilts of withheld US satellites: the same catalogue's four published figures (lowest point, highest point, period, tilt), released since October 2018. Allied satellites' heights and tilts are as CelesTrak lists them; where those values come from is not stated. The catalogue gives these figures no date of their own, so they may describe an earlier orbit, and early figures after a launch often describe the orbit a satellite starts in; azmth writes 'as listed on' with CelesTrak's date for that reason. 'On azmth's globe' means on CelesTrak's active list, which holds operational statuses '+, P, B, S, or X'; 16 military satellites with current public orbits sit outside it (one of them is docked to another satellite and travels with it).
What 'no public orbit' covers
CelesTrak's code for an object whose orbital elements are not published is NEA, 'No Elements Available'; its pages call such objects Restricted Objects. Its Pending Data Release page lists 'Objects which have had their No Elements Available status removed, but do not yet have GP data' (402 of the 460 on 4 Oct 2026), while its catalogue file still marks all 402 NEA; CelesTrak does not say what being on that page means for them. Its Lost Objects page lists 'Objects which should have GP data but for which none was found in the last 30 days', which azmth calls 'no recent orbit'. On 14 October 2026, 22 satellites launched on 26 September 2026 had no elements yet and no NEA flag, so azmth says not published yet, never withheld.
| Step (GCAT 14 Oct; CelesTrak 14 Oct 2026) | Satellites |
|---|---|
| On CelesTrak's Restricted Objects page | 460 |
| minus no longer in orbit, per GCAT | 18 |
| minus mission ended, per GCAT | 9 |
| minus not military per GCAT, or not yet matched to GCAT | 2 |
| plus US military satellites with no public orbit that the page leaves out | 12 |
| = orbit withheld | 443 |
| plus catalogued after launch, orbit not published yet | 22 |
| = no public orbit | 465 |
| for comparison: in orbit, any status | 476 |
| for comparison: no recent orbit (all countries) | 8 |
Of the 465, 28 have no height or tilt listed (the full lists show 30, because they also include 2 satellites outside the military count). Italy's 3 include SICRAL 2, which CelesTrak lists under France and Italy jointly, while GCAT and the UN file it under Italy. USA 136 stays on GCAT's active list (still transmitting) although GCAT dates the end of its mission '2008?'.
How the count has changed
azmth's count from GCAT was 1,166 active military satellites on 28 September and 1,226 on 14 October 2026. CelesTrak's Restricted Objects list grew from 358 entries on 15 April to 460 on 14 October 2026. Every row counts under today's rule: satellites from a new launch join the count once the public catalogue lists them.
| GCAT update | azmth's count from GCAT |
|---|---|
| 28 Sep 2026 | 1,166 |
| 2 Oct 2026 | 1,205 |
| 11 Oct 2026 | 1,205 |
| 14 Oct 2026 | 1,226 |
| CelesTrak date | Restricted Objects list | No public orbit |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Apr 2026 | 358 | not recorded |
| 13 Sep 2026 | 418 | not recorded |
| 22 Sep to 29 Sep 2026 | 441 | not recorded |
| 4 Oct 2026 | 460 | 465 |
| 12 Oct 2026 | 460 | 465 |
| 14 Oct 2026 | 460 | 465 |
Approximate orbits
A satellite's approximate orbit covers every height and latitude its listed figures allow. The catalogue's figures carry no date of their own, so a satellite may have moved since; azmth writes 'as listed on' with CelesTrak's date for that reason. Why a band rather than a ring: tested on azmth's own records of public satellites, a ring at an invented angle sits a median of 78 to 89 degrees from the real plane. 'Orbit may be out of date' marks a satellite with no public orbit whose listed figures may describe an orbit it has since left; azmth draws nothing for these satellites.
Matching the catalogues
azmth joins GCAT to the satellite catalogue by catalogue number and launch designator, never by name (catalogue number 32277 is 'COSMOS 2431', while GCAT's matching entry is Kosmos-2433). Where GCAT lists a satellite without identifying its object in the catalogue, azmth labels no catalogue object as that satellite. A satellite is left off CelesTrak's active list because of the status the catalogue gives it.
UN registrations
Under the 1975 Registration Convention, the state that registers each object gives the UN its period, tilt, lowest and highest points and general function, and the register is open to all. azmth prints these as the registered orbit, with the document's symbol and date, and never draws them: only 21 of 276 US satellites with both sets of values agree with the catalogue within 50 km, and about 36 are registered at a transfer, parking or intermediate orbit (UN documents to 23 Dec 2025, catalogue of 29 Sep 2026). Values far from the catalogue's figures, or that do not fit together, are left out. Values some states give as distances from Earth's centre (Germany's 2008 SAR-Lupe filing, for example) are converted to heights above the surface; values marked 'via GCAT' were transcribed by GCAT.
Mission labels
GCAT's category codes, and the words azmth prints for them: IMG Optical imaging · IMG-R Radar imaging · SIG Signals intelligence · EW Missile warning · COM Communications · NAV Navigation · MET, MET-RO Weather · TECH Technology test · CAL Calibration target · GEOD Measuring Earth · EOSCI Earth science. GCAT's '?' prints as '(unconfirmed)'.
GCAT has no category for satellites that watch other satellites, so it files them under missile warning; where their operators say that is their job, azmth labels them Space surveillance. Rendezvous appears only where the operator describes it: the six US Space Force GSSAP satellites, and Shijian-25, whose stated purpose is a refuelling and life-extension test (as reported by China Daily, 7 Jan 2025). Where a government's words and GCAT's differ, as for China's communications technology test satellites, azmth keeps GCAT's category and shows both.
For every country, an override replaces GCAT's category only where GCAT's category list has no code for the function the operator's own words describe.
| azmth's label | In place of | Satellites | The operator's words |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space surveillance | GCAT's EW | 6 | |
| Space surveillance | GCAT's EW | 1 | |
| Space surveillance | GCAT's EW | 3 | |
| Space surveillance | GCAT's EW | 1 | |
| Space surveillance | GCAT's EW | 1 | |
| Data relay | GCAT's COM | 1 | "operates two optical satellites, two radar satellites and one data relay satellite" (Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center (Japan), undated, server date 31 Jul 2026) azmth's translation · Show originalHide originalJapanese: 光学衛星を２機、レーダ衛星を２機、データ中継衛星を１機運用しています |
| Rendezvous | added; GCAT's job kept | 6 | |
| Rendezvous | added; GCAT's job kept | 1 | "mainly used for technology verification of satellite refuelling and life-extension services"; servicing another satellite falls inside azmth's definition of proximity operations. GCAT's TECH is kept. (as reported by China Daily, 7 Jan 2025) azmth's translation · Show originalHide originalChinese: 主要用于卫星燃料补加与延寿服务技术验证 |
Why counts differ
Each count has its own definition and date, so they are never charted together.
- 2023 counts: United States 247, China 157, Russia 110, credited to the Union of Concerned Scientists' satellite database by World Population Review (page published 25 September 2026, columns 'Military Satellites 2023'), and repeated by Wikipedia (reference dated 29 December 2023), SlashGear ('As of August 2025') and WORLDOSTATS (read 13 October 2026).
- Orbital Radar: 1,609 'Military Payloads In Orbit', United States 193, China 272, Russia 1,132 'Cosmos designations', a count that includes 'retired hardware still circling the Earth as well as working spacecraft' (read 14 October 2026).
- CelesTrak's military group: 24 objects (read 13 October 2026).
- N2YO's 'Military' category, all on one page: 649 objects (read 14 October 2026).
- China: about 500 'remote-sensing/ISR satellites' (US Defense Intelligence Agency, information as of 11 May 2025); 510+ 'ISR-capable', a definition that includes civil and commercial imagers (US Space Force fact sheet, July 2026); 1,506, every Chinese payload (US Space Force fact sheet, July 2026). For comparison, 448 Chinese satellites, civil and commercial ones included, take pictures, make radar images or collect radio signals (counted from GCAT, 14 Oct 2026).
- Russia: more than 90 of its 150 spacecraft serve the Ministry of Defence (TASS, 5 October 2019), the most recent official figure we found. For comparison, 68 Russian satellites, civil and commercial ones included, take pictures, make radar images or collect radio signals (counted from GCAT, 14 Oct 2026).
- United States: 'Over the past few years, the NRO has launched more than 200 satellites, many of which are part of this proliferated architecture.' (National Reconnaissance Office, 14 April 2026). For comparison, 586 American satellites, civil and commercial ones included, take pictures, make radar images or collect radio signals (counted from GCAT, 14 Oct 2026).
- Japan: the Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center operates two optical, two radar and one data relay satellite (page undated, server date 31 July 2026), while GCAT lists 11 imaging satellites in the IGS (Information Gathering Satellite) series.
What we searched
(1) Government requests to remove orbital data: searching in English, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Polish and Spanish to 5 October 2026, we found no case of a government asking a tracking website or an amateur observer to remove orbital data; governments acted on orbital data about their own satellites through their own channels (1999, 2007, 2008). (2) Official reasons for German, French, Italian and Israeli withholding: we could not find an official statement explaining them. (3) Military*: we checked every active satellite in GCAT whose owner, name or parent organisation points to a military body (68 payloads in 20 countries, 5 October 2026), reading each country's sources in its own language first where we could; we did not search sources in Arabic, Greek, Urdu or Indonesian. (4) Whether another tracker shows these orbits this way: on 14 October 2026 we read Orbital Radar, N2YO, Heavens-Above and satellitemap.space, ran a web search and found none that does.
Sources
- The US satellite catalogue: kept by the 18th Space Defense Squadron for US Space Command, from Space-Track.org and CelesTrak: orbits of public satellites; height and tilt of most others.
- GCAT: the General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects, by Jonathan McDowell: which satellites are military, what they do, whether they still work; one expert's dated assessment.
- The UN Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space: 'full and open access' by treaty: each state's registered orbit and general function.
- The operators' own words: Xinhua and CNSA, the Russian Ministry of Defence, the NRO, the US Space Force, the Space Development Agency, Japan's Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center, the Bundeswehr, CNES, Israel's Ministry of Defense and others, in English, with the original one tap away where azmth translated it; the same words decide Military*.
- On warnings of reconnaissance satellite passes: SATRAN (dated to 1965 by the National Security Archive); Kristin Burke's paper 'Adapting to the PLA's Near Constant Satellite Surveillance' for Air University's China Aerospace Studies Institute (March 2025, the author's views); and the 2022 paper by O. S. Pogurelskiy and O. O. Melnykova of the National Aviation University, Kyiv.
- Reports: the Washington Post (1 April 1999), the New York Times (5 February 2008) and Supercluster (27 June 2019), which reported that Ted Molczan had 'never been contacted by a government official about his pastime'.
- azmth's data files: restricted-orbits.json and defence-panel.json, the files behind this page and its panels, are open data: GCAT's classification under CC BY 4.0 as each file credits it, and azmth's own additions under CC BY 4.0 too. Both are documented on /data.
Military labels, missions and status: adapted from GCAT, the General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects, by Jonathan McDowell (planet4589.org/space/gcat), data update of 14 October 2026, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0, creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Our changes: we pick out the satellites GCAT classes as military, group its classes and categories into our own labels, use operators' own words in place of a few categories (each listed above), add Military* from official statements, and combine GCAT with the public satellite catalogue.
azmth's own additions (our translations of official statements, the Military* list and the count history) are published under CC BY 4.0 too: credit azmth.space.
Amateur orbit data
We found no licence for amateur observers' published orbit data (searched 5 October 2026), so azmth credits their findings and does not use or share their data.
Corrections
Something wrong, or a safety concern? Write to hello@azmth.space. The full route and the pause rule: /policy.
azmth is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CelesTrak, Space-Track.org, the US Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office, the United Nations, Jonathan McDowell, or any other government, agency, company or person named on this page.
Facts checked on 14 October 2026. Counts update every Monday. Where sources disagree, we say so.
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