PAYLOAD C

PAYLOAD C is an active satellite operated by China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) (China), launched on 2013-07-19 from Taiyuan, China. After 13 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 651 km and 661 km with an inclination of 98.1°. It travels at approximately 27,114 km/h (7.53 km/s), completing one full orbit every 98 minutes — that’s roughly 14.72 orbits per day. Its near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit means it passes over any given point on Earth at approximately the same local solar time, ideal for consistent Earth observation lighting conditions. Its near-circular orbit (eccentricity close to zero) means it maintains a very consistent altitude throughout each revolution. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~10–25 years. Orbital Radar tracks PAYLOAD C in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

PAYLOAD C orbits at an average altitude of 656 km in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), a specialised subset of LEO where the orbital plane precesses to maintain a constant angle relative to the Sun. This provides consistent lighting conditions on every pass — essential for Earth observation, weather monitoring and environmental science. Within ±50 km of PAYLOAD C’s average altitude, there are currently 675 active payloads and 1,093 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include TERRA, AQUA, LANDSAT 9. With an inclination of 98.1°, PAYLOAD C passes over latitudes between 98.1°N and 98.1°S, providing near-global coverage including the polar regions. Polar and near-polar orbits are used for reconnaissance, weather monitoring and Earth-observation missions that need to image every part of the planet. China operates approximately 1,219 active satellites in total, of which 152 share a similar altitude band with PAYLOAD C.