MSX

MSX is an active satellite operated by United States, launched on 1996-04-24 from Vandenberg SFB, California. With over 30 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 894 km and 904 km with an inclination of 99.0°. It travels at approximately 26,657 km/h (7.40 km/s), completing one full orbit every 103 minutes — that’s roughly 13.98 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. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~100–500 years. Orbital Radar tracks MSX in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

MSX orbits at an average altitude of 899 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 MSX’s average altitude, there are currently 203 active payloads and 1,381 tracked debris or rocket body fragments. With an inclination of 99.0°, MSX passes over latitudes between 99.0°N and 99.0°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 53 share a similar altitude band with MSX.