AMC-15

AMC-15 is an active satellite operated by SES S.A. (SES), launched on 2004-10-14 from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. With over 22 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,777 km and 35,796 km with an inclination of 0.0°. It travels at approximately 11,070 km/h (3.07 km/s), completing one full orbit every ~24 hours (geosynchronous) — that’s roughly 1.00 orbits per day. It is part of the Ses constellation group. At geostationary altitude, there is no meaningful atmospheric drag — this object will remain in orbit indefinitely unless actively deorbited. Orbital Radar tracks AMC-15 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

AMC-15 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. Within ±50 km of AMC-15’s average altitude, there are currently 713 active payloads and 59 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ASTRA 1N, GOES 16, TDRS 13. SES operates approximately 77 active satellites in total, of which 36 share a similar altitude band with AMC-15.