FORMOSAT 3D

FORMOSAT 3D is an active satellite operated by National Space Program Office (NSPO)/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Boulder, CO (TWN), launched on 2006-04-15 from Vandenberg SFB, California. With over 20 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 639 km and 702 km with an inclination of 72.0°. It travels at approximately 27,086 km/h (7.52 km/s), completing one full orbit every 98 minutes — that’s roughly 14.67 orbits per day. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~10–25 years. Orbital Radar tracks FORMOSAT 3D in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

FORMOSAT 3D orbits at an average altitude of 671 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 FORMOSAT 3D’s average altitude, there are currently 576 active payloads and 1,212 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include TERRA, AQUA, LANDSAT 9. With an inclination of 72.0°, FORMOSAT 3D passes over latitudes between 72.0°N and 72.0°S, covering most populated land masses in both hemispheres. This mid-inclination band balances global coverage with efficient launch energy requirements. TWN operates approximately 30 active satellites in total.