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SES-15

NORAD 42709 Payload GEO 2017-026A ● Active
CONNECTING… GEO · NORAD 42709
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Altitude (km)
Speed (km/s)
Latitude
Longitude
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🛰️ Orbital Parameters
Perigee
35786 km
Apogee
35789 km
Inclination
0.0°
Period
1436.1 min
Mean Motion
1.00269119 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-06-19 23:00:00 UTC
📐 Computed Orbital Characteristics
Avg. Altitude35,788 km
Orbital Velocity11,070 km/h
Velocity3.07 km/s
Orbital Period~24 hours (geosynchronous)
Orbits / Day1.00
Eccentricity0.0000
Semi-Major Axis42,159 km
Est. Orbital LifetimePermanent — geostationary orbit, no atmospheric drag
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
SES S.A. (SES)
Launch Date
2017-05-18
Launch Site
Guiana Space Centre, Kourou
Int'l Designator
2017-026A
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Large (>1 m²)
🔗 Constellation / Groups
ses
📖 About This Object
SES-15 is an active satellite operated by SES S.A. (SES), launched on 2017-05-18 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,786 km and 35,789 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. It is part of the Ses constellation group. At geostationary altitude, there is no meaningful atmospheric drag — this object will remain in orbit indefinitely unless actively deorbited. Orbital Radar tracks SES-15 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.
🌍 Orbit Context
SES-15 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 SES-15’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. SES operates approximately 77 active satellites in total, of which 36 share a similar altitude band with SES-15.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
SES-15 orbits at approximately 35,788 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.
SES-15 is operated by SES S.A. (SES). It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 42709. You can track SES-15 in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker or browse all operators in the operator directory.
SES-15 was launched on 2017-05-18 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, the European spaceport in French Guiana, chosen for its equatorial location which provides an energy-efficient boost for orbital insertions. View the full satellite launch log.
Yes — Orbital Radar tracks SES-15 (NORAD ID 42709) 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.
SES-15 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.
SES-15 is a member of the Ses constellation. Satellites in this group work together to provide coordinated coverage, typically in similar orbital planes at comparable altitudes. You can view all Ses satellites on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.