FASTSAT-HSV01 (USA 220)

FASTSAT-HSV01 (USA 220) is an active satellite operated by United States, launched on 2010-11-20 from Kodiak, Alaska. After 16 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 612 km and 633 km with an inclination of 72.0°. It travels at approximately 27,178 km/h (7.55 km/s), completing one full orbit every 97 minutes — that’s roughly 14.82 orbits per day. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~10–25 years. Orbital Radar tracks FASTSAT-HSV01 (USA 220) in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

FASTSAT-HSV01 (USA 220) orbits at an average altitude of 623 km in the mid-LEO band, where atmospheric drag is minimal but radiation exposure remains manageable. Objects at this altitude persist for decades to centuries, making debris mitigation critical. This regime is popular for remote sensing constellations and scientific instruments that need stable, long-duration orbits. Within ±50 km of FASTSAT-HSV01 (USA 220)’s average altitude, there are currently 833 active payloads and 791 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ONEWEB-0050, STARLINK-3055, STARLINK-3109. With an inclination of 72.0°, FASTSAT-HSV01 (USA 220) passes over latitudes between 72.0°N and 72.0°S, covering most populated land masses in both hemispheres. This mid-inclination band balances global coverage with efficient launch energy requirements. United States operates approximately 12,339 active satellites in total, of which 361 share a similar altitude band with FASTSAT-HSV01 (USA 220).