CARTOSAT 2A

CARTOSAT 2A is an active satellite operated by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) (India), launched on 2008-04-28 from SRI. After 18 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 622 km and 641 km with an inclination of 97.8°. It travels at approximately 27,161 km/h (7.54 km/s), completing one full orbit every 97 minutes — that’s roughly 14.79 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 CARTOSAT 2A in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

CARTOSAT 2A orbits at an average altitude of 632 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 CARTOSAT 2A’s average altitude, there are currently 787 active payloads and 855 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ONEWEB-0050. With an inclination of 97.8°, CARTOSAT 2A 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. India operates approximately 108 active satellites in total, of which 13 share a similar altitude band with CARTOSAT 2A.