ORBCOMM-X

ORBCOMM-X is an active satellite operated by ORBCOMM (United States), launched on 1991-07-17 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. With over 35 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 744 km and 750 km with an inclination of 98.3°. It travels at approximately 26,940 km/h (7.48 km/s), completing one full orbit every 100 minutes — that’s roughly 14.44 orbits per day. Its near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit means it passes over any given point on Earth at approximately the same local solar time, ideal for consistent Earth observation lighting conditions. Its near-circular orbit (eccentricity close to zero) means it maintains a very consistent altitude throughout each revolution. It is part of the Orbcomm constellation group. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~25–100 years. Orbital Radar tracks ORBCOMM-X in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

ORBCOMM-X orbits at an average altitude of 747 km in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), a specialised subset of LEO where the orbital plane precesses to maintain a constant angle relative to the Sun. This provides consistent lighting conditions on every pass — essential for Earth observation, weather monitoring and environmental science. Within ±50 km of ORBCOMM-X’s average altitude, there are currently 366 active payloads and 1,912 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include LANDSAT 9. With an inclination of 98.3°, ORBCOMM-X passes over latitudes between 98.3°N and 98.3°S, providing near-global coverage including the polar regions. Polar and near-polar orbits are used for reconnaissance, weather monitoring and Earth-observation missions that need to image every part of the planet. United States operates approximately 12,360 active satellites in total, of which 147 share a similar altitude band with ORBCOMM-X.