NIGCOMSAT 1R

NIGCOMSAT 1R is an active satellite operated by NigComSat (Nigeria), launched on 2011-12-19 from Xichang, China. After 15 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,776 km and 35,798 km with an inclination of 0.1°. It travels at approximately 11,070 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 NIGCOMSAT 1R in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

NIGCOMSAT 1R 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 NIGCOMSAT 1R’s average altitude, there are currently 713 active payloads and 59 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ASTRA 1N, GOES 16, TDRS 13. Nigeria operates approximately 5 active satellites in total, of which 2 share a similar altitude band with NIGCOMSAT 1R.