REFLECTOR

REFLECTOR is an active satellite operated by Russia (CIS), launched on 2001-12-10 from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. With over 25 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 980 km and 1,009 km with an inclination of 99.8°. It travels at approximately 26,483 km/h (7.36 km/s), completing one full orbit every 105 minutes — that’s roughly 13.71 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. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~100–500 years. Orbital Radar tracks REFLECTOR in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

REFLECTOR orbits at an average altitude of 995 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 REFLECTOR’s average altitude, there are currently 253 active payloads and 892 tracked debris or rocket body fragments. With an inclination of 99.8°, REFLECTOR passes over latitudes between 99.8°N and 99.8°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. Russia (CIS) operates approximately 1,285 active satellites in total, of which 142 share a similar altitude band with REFLECTOR.