WGS 8 (USA 272)

WGS 8 (USA 272) is an active satellite operated by Military Satellite Communications - US Air Force (United States), launched on 2016-12-07 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. After 10 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,787 km and 35,788 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 WGS 8 (USA 272) in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

WGS 8 (USA 272) 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 WGS 8 (USA 272)’s average altitude, there are currently 714 active payloads and 60 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ASTRA 1N, GOES 16, TDRS 13. United States operates approximately 12,339 active satellites in total, of which 146 share a similar altitude band with WGS 8 (USA 272).