GSAT 12

GSAT 12 is an active satellite operated by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) (India), launched on 2011-07-15 from SRI. After 15 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 36,167 km and 36,206 km with an inclination of 5.3°. 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 GSAT 12 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

GSAT 12 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 5.3°, 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 GSAT 12’s average altitude, there are currently 131 active payloads and 12 tracked debris or rocket body fragments. India operates approximately 108 active satellites in total.