WGS 9 (USA 275)
NORAD 42075
Payload
GEO
2017-016A
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GEO · NORAD 42075
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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
35786 km
Apogee
35788 km
Inclination
0.0°
Period
1436.1 min
Mean Motion
1.00269311 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-06-19 04:00:00 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
Eccentricity0.0000
Semi-Major Axis42,158 km
Est. Orbital LifetimePermanent — geostationary orbit, no atmospheric drag
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
🇺🇸 Military Satellite Communications - US Air Force (United States)
Launch Date
2017-03-19
Launch Site
Cape Canaveral, Florida
Int'l Designator
2017-016A
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Large (>1 m²)
📖 About This Object
WGS 9 (USA 275) is an active satellite operated by Military Satellite Communications - US Air Force (United States), launched on 2017-03-19 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,786 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 9 (USA 275) in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.
🌍 Orbit Context
WGS 9 (USA 275) 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 9 (USA 275)’s average altitude, there are currently 713 active payloads and 58 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 9 (USA 275).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
WGS 9 (USA 275) 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.
WGS 9 (USA 275) is operated by Military Satellite Communications - US Air Force (United States). It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 42075. You can track WGS 9 (USA 275) in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker or browse all operators in the operator directory.
WGS 9 (USA 275) was launched on 2017-03-19 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, one of the busiest launch facilities in the world, operated by NASA and the U.S. Space Force on Florida’s Atlantic coast. View the full satellite launch log.
Yes — Orbital Radar tracks WGS 9 (USA 275) (NORAD ID 42075) 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.
WGS 9 (USA 275) 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.