INSAT 2D

INSAT 2D is an active satellite operated by India, launched on 1997-06-03 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. With over 29 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 33,189 km and 35,941 km with an inclination of 12.7°. It travels at approximately 11,234 km/h (3.12 km/s), completing one full orbit every 22 hours 54 minutes — that’s roughly 1.05 orbits per day. Orbital Radar tracks INSAT 2D in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

INSAT 2D 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 12.7°, 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. India operates approximately 108 active satellites in total.