INTELSAT 36
NORAD 41747
Payload
GEO
2016-053A
● Active
CONNECTING…
GEO · NORAD 41747
NOW PASSING OVER
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Altitude (km)
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Speed (km/s)
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Latitude
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Longitude
🛰️ Orbital Parameters
Perigee
35778 km
Apogee
35796 km
Inclination
0.0°
Period
1436.1 min
Mean Motion
1.00271257 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-06-18 23:00:00 UTC
📐 Computed Orbital Characteristics
Avg. Altitude35,787 km
Orbital Velocity11,070 km/h
Velocity3.07 km/s
Orbital Period~24 hours (geosynchronous)
Orbits / Day1.00
Eccentricity0.0002
Semi-Major Axis42,158 km
Est. Orbital LifetimePermanent — geostationary orbit, no atmospheric drag
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
Intelsat S.A. (ITSO)
Launch Date
2016-08-24
Launch Site
Guiana Space Centre, Kourou
Int'l Designator
2016-053A
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Large (>1 m²)
🔗 Constellation / Groups
intelsat
📖 About This Object
INTELSAT 36 is an active satellite operated by Intelsat S.A. (ITSO), launched on 2016-08-24 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. After 10 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. It is part of the Intelsat constellation group. At geostationary altitude, there is no meaningful atmospheric drag — this object will remain in orbit indefinitely unless actively deorbited. Orbital Radar tracks INTELSAT 36 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.
🌍 Orbit Context
INTELSAT 36 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 INTELSAT 36’s average altitude, there are currently 713 active payloads and 59 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ASTRA 1N, GOES 16, TDRS 13. ITSO operates approximately 72 active satellites in total, of which 32 share a similar altitude band with INTELSAT 36.
🔗 Intelsat Communications
This satellite is operated by Intelsat, one of the pioneering commercial satellite operators, with a fleet of 50+ geostationary satellites providing television distribution, enterprise networking, mobility connectivity and government communications worldwide. Intelsat was founded in 1964 as an intergovernmental organisation and privatised in 2001.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
INTELSAT 36 orbits at approximately 35,787 km altitude, where the orbital period matches the Earth’s 24-hour rotation. This means it stays above the same point on the equator at all times. Its actual speed is still 11,070 km/h — it just keeps pace with the ground below. Learn more about geostationary orbits.
INTELSAT 36 is operated by Intelsat S.A. (ITSO). It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 41747. You can track INTELSAT 36 in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker or browse all operators in the operator directory.
INTELSAT 36 was launched on 2016-08-24 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, the European spaceport in French Guiana, chosen for its equatorial location which provides an energy-efficient boost for orbital insertions. View the full satellite launch log.
Yes — Orbital Radar tracks INTELSAT 36 (NORAD ID 41747) using the latest TLE (two-line element set) data from Space-Track and CelesTrak. Open the live tracker to see its current position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated in real time. You can also browse the satellite directory to find other tracked objects.
INTELSAT 36 travels at approximately 11,070 km/h (6,878 mph) — roughly 3.07 km/s. Despite this high speed, it appears stationary from the ground because it matches the Earth’s rotation. Geostationary satellites are actually slower than LEO satellites because orbital velocity decreases with altitude.
INTELSAT 36 is a member of the Intelsat constellation. Satellites in this group work together to provide coordinated coverage, typically in similar orbital planes at comparable altitudes. You can view all Intelsat satellites on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.