INTELSAT 33E

INTELSAT 33E 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 35,715 km and 35,910 km with an inclination of 1.6°. It travels at approximately 11,066 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 33E in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

INTELSAT 33E 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 1.6°, 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 INTELSAT 33E’s average altitude, there are currently 712 active payloads and 65 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 33E.