CHINASAT 6A

CHINASAT 6A is an active satellite operated by China Satellite Communication Corp. (China Satcom) (China), launched on 2010-09-04 from Xichang, China. After 16 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,942 km and 35,956 km with an inclination of 4.2°. It travels at approximately 11,048 km/h (3.07 km/s), completing one full orbit every ~24 hours (geosynchronous) — that’s roughly 1.00 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 6A in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

CHINASAT 6A 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 4.2°, 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 6A’s average altitude, there are currently 61 active payloads and 20 tracked debris or rocket body fragments. China operates approximately 1,219 active satellites in total, of which 4 share a similar altitude band with CHINASAT 6A.