PICARD

PICARD is an active satellite operated by France, launched on 2010-06-15 from OREN. After 16 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 716 km and 718 km with an inclination of 98.3°. It travels at approximately 26,997 km/h (7.50 km/s), completing one full orbit every 99 minutes — that’s roughly 14.53 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. Its near-circular orbit (eccentricity close to zero) means it maintains a very consistent altitude throughout each revolution. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~25–100 years. Orbital Radar tracks PICARD in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

PICARD orbits at an average altitude of 717 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 PICARD’s average altitude, there are currently 278 active payloads and 1,656 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include TERRA, AQUA, LANDSAT 9. With an inclination of 98.3°, PICARD passes over latitudes between 98.3°N and 98.3°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. France operates approximately 114 active satellites in total, of which 10 share a similar altitude band with PICARD.