SJ-11-06

SJ-11-06 is an active satellite operated by China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) (China), launched on 2014-03-31 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China on the SJ-11-06 launch. After 12 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 676 km and 698 km with an inclination of 97.9°. It travels at approximately 27,054 km/h (7.51 km/s), completing one full orbit every 99 minutes — that’s roughly 14.62 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. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~10–25 years. Orbital Radar tracks SJ-11-06 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

SJ-11-06 orbits at an average altitude of 687 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 SJ-11-06’s average altitude, there are currently 343 active payloads and 1,419 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include TERRA, AQUA, ONEWEB-0179. With an inclination of 97.9°, SJ-11-06 passes over latitudes between 97.9°N and 97.9°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 1,275 active satellites in total, of which 60 share a similar altitude band with SJ-11-06.