IRNSS 1D

IRNSS 1D is an active satellite operated by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) (India), launched on 2015-03-28 from SRI. After 11 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 36,414 km and 36,481 km with an inclination of 19.6°. It travels at approximately 10,984 km/h (3.05 km/s), completing one full orbit every 24.5 hours — that’s roughly 0.98 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 IRNSS 1D in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

IRNSS 1D 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. With an inclination of 19.6°, it traces a small figure-of-eight pattern relative to the equator rather than remaining perfectly stationary, which can indicate aging stationkeeping fuel or a deliberate inclined-orbit strategy. Within ±50 km of IRNSS 1D’s average altitude, there are currently 13 active payloads and 26 tracked debris or rocket body fragments. India operates approximately 108 active satellites in total.