ALSAT 1N

ALSAT 1N is an active satellite operated by Algerian Space Agency (ASAL)/UK Space Agency (Algeria), launched on 2016-09-26 from SRI. After 10 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 645 km and 681 km with an inclination of 97.8°. It travels at approximately 27,100 km/h (7.53 km/s), completing one full orbit every 98 minutes — that’s roughly 14.69 orbits per day. Its near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit means it passes over any given point on Earth at approximately the same local solar time, ideal for consistent Earth observation lighting conditions. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~10–25 years. Orbital Radar tracks ALSAT 1N in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

ALSAT 1N orbits at an average altitude of 663 km in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), a specialised subset of LEO where the orbital plane precesses to maintain a constant angle relative to the Sun. This provides consistent lighting conditions on every pass — essential for Earth observation, weather monitoring and environmental science. Within ±50 km of ALSAT 1N’s average altitude, there are currently 648 active payloads and 1,121 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include TERRA, AQUA, LANDSAT 9. With an inclination of 97.8°, ALSAT 1N passes over latitudes between 97.8°N and 97.8°S, providing near-global coverage including the polar regions. Polar and near-polar orbits are used for reconnaissance, weather monitoring and Earth-observation missions that need to image every part of the planet. Algeria operates approximately 7 active satellites in total, of which 5 share a similar altitude band with ALSAT 1N.