INSAT 2A

INSAT 2A is an active satellite operated by India, launched on 1992-07-09 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 35,760 km and 35,833 km with an inclination of 14.5°. It travels at approximately 11,068 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 INSAT 2A in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

INSAT 2A 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 14.5°, 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 2A’s average altitude, there are currently 714 active payloads and 63 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ASTRA 1N, GOES 16, TDRS 13. India operates approximately 108 active satellites in total, of which 36 share a similar altitude band with INSAT 2A.