METEOSAT 11 (MSG 4)

METEOSAT 11 (MSG 4) is an active satellite operated by EUMETSAT (European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites) (Eumetsat), launched on 2015-07-15 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. After 11 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,779 km and 35,799 km with an inclination of 3.2°. It travels at approximately 11,069 km/h (3.07 km/s), completing one full orbit every ~24 hours (geosynchronous) — that’s roughly 1.00 orbits per day. It is part of the Weather constellation group. At geostationary altitude, there is no meaningful atmospheric drag — this object will remain in orbit indefinitely unless actively deorbited. Orbital Radar tracks METEOSAT 11 (MSG 4) in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

METEOSAT 11 (MSG 4) 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 3.2°, 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 METEOSAT 11 (MSG 4)’s average altitude, there are currently 715 active payloads and 61 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ASTRA 1N, GOES 16, TDRS 13. Eumetsat operates approximately 10 active satellites in total, of which 4 share a similar altitude band with METEOSAT 11 (MSG 4).