FR 1

FR 1 is an active satellite operated by CNES (France), launched on 1965-12-06 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, United States on the FR-1 launch. After more than 61 years in orbit, it is one of the longest-surviving objects in the space catalogue. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 652 km and 659 km with an inclination of 75.9°. It travels at approximately 27,115 km/h (7.53 km/s), completing one full orbit every 98 minutes — that’s roughly 14.72 orbits per day. Its near-circular orbit (eccentricity close to zero) means it maintains a very consistent altitude throughout each revolution. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~10–25 years. Orbital Radar tracks FR 1 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

FR 1 orbits at an average altitude of 656 km in the mid-LEO band, where atmospheric drag is minimal but radiation exposure remains manageable. Objects at this altitude persist for decades to centuries, making debris mitigation critical. This regime is popular for remote sensing constellations and scientific instruments that need stable, long-duration orbits. Within ±50 km of FR 1’s average altitude, there are currently 855 active payloads and 1,182 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include TERRA, AQUA, ONEWEB-0179. With an inclination of 75.9°, FR 1 passes over latitudes between 75.9°N and 75.9°S, covering most populated land masses in both hemispheres. This mid-inclination band balances global coverage with efficient launch energy requirements. France operates approximately 124 active satellites in total, of which 46 share a similar altitude band with FR 1.