INSAT 4CR

INSAT 4CR is an active satellite operated by India, launched on 2007-09-02 from SRI. After 19 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 36,084 km and 36,087 km with an inclination of 6.9°. It travels at approximately 11,031 km/h (3.06 km/s), completing one full orbit every 24.2 hours — that’s roughly 0.99 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 INSAT 4CR in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

INSAT 4CR 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 6.9°, 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. Within ±50 km of INSAT 4CR’s average altitude, there are currently 148 active payloads and 11 tracked debris or rocket body fragments. India operates approximately 108 active satellites in total, of which 5 share a similar altitude band with INSAT 4CR.