SINOSAT 2

SINOSAT 2 is an active satellite operated by China, launched on 2006-10-28 from Xichang, China. With over 20 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 37,835 km and 38,154 km with an inclination of 14.4°. It travels at approximately 10,791 km/h (3.00 km/s), completing one full orbit every 25.8 hours — that’s roughly 0.93 orbits per day. At geostationary altitude, there is no meaningful atmospheric drag — this object will remain in orbit indefinitely unless actively deorbited. Orbital Radar tracks SINOSAT 2 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

SINOSAT 2 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. With an inclination of 14.4°, it traces a small figure-of-eight pattern relative to the equator rather than remaining perfectly stationary, which can indicate aging stationkeeping fuel or a deliberate inclined-orbit strategy. China operates approximately 1,219 active satellites in total.