TSX-5

TSX-5 is an active satellite operated by USAF STP (United States), launched on 2000-06-07 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, United States on the TSX-5 launch. With over 26 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 381 km and 983 km with an inclination of 68.9°. It travels at approximately 27,064 km/h (7.52 km/s), completing one full orbit every 98 minutes — that’s roughly 14.64 orbits per day. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~10–25 years. Orbital Radar tracks TSX-5 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

TSX-5 orbits at an average altitude of 682 km in the mid-LEO band, where atmospheric drag is minimal but radiation exposure remains manageable. Objects at this altitude persist for decades to centuries, making debris mitigation critical. This regime is popular for remote sensing constellations and scientific instruments that need stable, long-duration orbits. Within ±50 km of TSX-5’s average altitude, there are currently 341 active payloads and 1,355 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include TERRA, AQUA, ONEWEB-0179. With an inclination of 68.9°, TSX-5 passes over latitudes between 68.9°N and 68.9°S, covering most populated land masses in both hemispheres. This mid-inclination band balances global coverage with efficient launch energy requirements. United States operates approximately 13,204 active satellites in total, of which 97 share a similar altitude band with TSX-5.