YAMAL 300K
NORAD 38978
Payload
GEO
2012-061B
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GEO · NORAD 38978
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Altitude (km)
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Speed (km/s)
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Latitude
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Longitude
🛰️ Orbital Parameters
Perigee
35782 km
Apogee
35792 km
Inclination
0.0°
Period
1436.1 min
Mean Motion
1.00270811 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-06-19 13:00:00 UTC
📐 Computed Orbital Characteristics
Avg. Altitude35,787 km
Orbital Velocity11,070 km/h
Velocity3.07 km/s
Orbital Period~24 hours (geosynchronous)
Orbits / Day1.00
Eccentricity0.0001
Semi-Major Axis42,158 km
Est. Orbital LifetimePermanent — geostationary orbit, no atmospheric drag
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
🇷🇺 Gazprom Space Systems (Russia (CIS))
Launch Date
2012-11-02
Launch Site
Baikonur, Kazakhstan
Int'l Designator
2012-061B
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Large (>1 m²)
📖 About This Object
YAMAL 300K is an active satellite operated by Gazprom Space Systems (Russia (CIS)), launched on 2012-11-02 from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. After 14 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,782 km and 35,792 km with an inclination of 0.0°. 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 YAMAL 300K in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.
🌍 Orbit Context
YAMAL 300K 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 YAMAL 300K’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. Russia (CIS) operates approximately 1,286 active satellites in total, of which 124 share a similar altitude band with YAMAL 300K.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
YAMAL 300K orbits at approximately 35,787 km altitude, where the orbital period matches the Earth’s 24-hour rotation. This means it stays above the same point on the equator at all times. Its actual speed is still 11,070 km/h — it just keeps pace with the ground below. Learn more about geostationary orbits.
YAMAL 300K is operated by Gazprom Space Systems (Russia (CIS)). It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 38978. You can track YAMAL 300K in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker or browse all operators in the operator directory.
YAMAL 300K was launched on 2012-11-02 from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the world’s first and largest operational space launch facility, located in Kazakhstan. View the full satellite launch log.
Yes — Orbital Radar tracks YAMAL 300K (NORAD ID 38978) using the latest TLE (two-line element set) data from Space-Track and CelesTrak. Open the live tracker to see its current position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated in real time. You can also browse the satellite directory to find other tracked objects.
YAMAL 300K travels at approximately 11,070 km/h (6,878 mph) — roughly 3.07 km/s. Despite this high speed, it appears stationary from the ground because it matches the Earth’s rotation. Geostationary satellites are actually slower than LEO satellites because orbital velocity decreases with altitude.