INSAT 2R (ARABSAT 1C)

INSAT 2R (ARABSAT 1C) is an active satellite operated by Arabsat (India), launched on 1992-02-26 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. With over 34 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 36,121 km and 36,356 km with an inclination of 14.3°. It travels at approximately 11,011 km/h (3.06 km/s), completing one full orbit every 24.3 hours — that’s roughly 0.99 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 INSAT 2R (ARABSAT 1C) in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

INSAT 2R (ARABSAT 1C) 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 14.3°, 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 INSAT 2R (ARABSAT 1C)’s average altitude, there are currently 69 active payloads and 13 tracked debris or rocket body fragments. India operates approximately 108 active satellites in total.