TELSTAR 12V

TELSTAR 12V is an active satellite operated by Telesat Canada Ltd. (BCE, Inc.) (Canada), launched on 2015-11-24 from TNSTA. After 11 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,778 km and 35,796 km with an inclination of 0.0°. 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 TELSTAR 12V in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

TELSTAR 12V 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 TELSTAR 12V’s average altitude, there are currently 713 active payloads and 58 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ASTRA 1N, GOES 16, TDRS 13. Canada operates approximately 67 active satellites in total, of which 14 share a similar altitude band with TELSTAR 12V.