SKYNET 4C

SKYNET 4C is an active satellite operated by Intelsat/Paradigm Secure Communications (wholly owned by EADS Astrium) (United Kingdom), launched on 1990-08-30 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. With over 36 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,776 km and 35,796 km with an inclination of 13.3°. It travels at approximately 11,070 km/h (3.07 km/s), completing one full orbit every ~24 hours (geosynchronous) — that’s roughly 1.00 orbits per day. At geostationary altitude, there is no meaningful atmospheric drag — this object will remain in orbit indefinitely unless actively deorbited. Orbital Radar tracks SKYNET 4C in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

SKYNET 4C occupies geostationary orbit at approximately 35,786 km above the equator, where its orbital period matches the Earth’s 24-hour rotation. From the ground, it appears to hover over a fixed point — ideal for broadcast television, weather monitoring and wideband communications. With an inclination of 13.3°, it traces a small figure-of-eight pattern relative to the equator rather than remaining perfectly stationary, which can indicate aging stationkeeping fuel or a deliberate inclined-orbit strategy. Within ±50 km of SKYNET 4C’s average altitude, there are currently 713 active payloads and 58 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ASTRA 1N, GOES 16, TDRS 13. United Kingdom operates approximately 720 active satellites in total, of which 13 share a similar altitude band with SKYNET 4C.