EUTE 16A (EUTE W3C)

EUTE 16A (EUTE W3C) is an active satellite operated by EUTELSAT S.A. (Eutelsat), launched on 2011-10-07 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China on the Eutelsat W3C launch. After 15 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,831 km and 35,880 km with an inclination of 0.2°. It travels at approximately 11,061 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 EUTE 16A (EUTE W3C) in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

EUTE 16A (EUTE W3C) 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. Within ±50 km of EUTE 16A (EUTE W3C)’s average altitude, there are currently 74 active payloads and 49 tracked debris or rocket body fragments. Eutelsat operates approximately 62 active satellites in total.