CHINASAT 9

CHINASAT 9 is an active satellite operated by China Satellite Communication Corp. (China Satcom) (China), launched on 2008-06-09 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China on the zhongxing jiuhao launch. After 18 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 36,132 km and 36,236 km with an inclination of 1.3°. It travels at approximately 11,018 km/h (3.06 km/s), completing one full orbit every 24.3 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 CHINASAT 9 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

CHINASAT 9 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 1.3°, 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 CHINASAT 9’s average altitude, there are currently 144 active payloads and 17 tracked debris or rocket body fragments. China operates approximately 1,341 active satellites in total, of which 7 share a similar altitude band with CHINASAT 9.