SKYNET 5D

SKYNET 5D is an active satellite operated by Ministry of Defense/Paradigm Secure Communications (wholly owned by EADS Astrium) (United Kingdom), launched on 2012-12-19 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. After 14 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,771 km and 35,802 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 SKYNET 5D in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

SKYNET 5D 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 SKYNET 5D’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. United Kingdom operates approximately 720 active satellites in total, of which 13 share a similar altitude band with SKYNET 5D.