KOMPSAT 2

KOMPSAT 2 is an active satellite operated by Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) (South Korea), launched on 2006-07-28 from PKMTR. With over 20 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 667 km and 689 km with an inclination of 97.8°. It travels at approximately 27,071 km/h (7.52 km/s), completing one full orbit every 98 minutes — that’s roughly 14.65 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 ~10–25 years. Orbital Radar tracks KOMPSAT 2 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

KOMPSAT 2 orbits at an average altitude of 678 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 KOMPSAT 2’s average altitude, there are currently 521 active payloads and 1,255 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include TERRA, AQUA, LANDSAT 9. With an inclination of 97.8°, KOMPSAT 2 passes over latitudes between 97.8°N and 97.8°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. South Korea operates approximately 51 active satellites in total, of which 12 share a similar altitude band with KOMPSAT 2.