SJ-17

SJ-17 is an active satellite operated by China Satellite Communication Corp. (China Satcom) (China), launched on 2016-11-03 from Wenchang, China. After 10 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,896 km and 35,912 km with an inclination of 5.8°. It travels at approximately 11,054 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 SJ-17 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

SJ-17 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 5.8°, 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 SJ-17’s average altitude, there are currently 58 active payloads and 20 tracked debris or rocket body fragments. China operates approximately 1,219 active satellites in total, of which 5 share a similar altitude band with SJ-17.