SUPERBIRD 8
NORAD 43271
Payload
GEO
2018-033A
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GEO · NORAD 43271
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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
35782 km
Apogee
35791 km
Inclination
0.0°
Period
1436.1 min
Mean Motion
1.00271787 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-06-19 03:00:00 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
Eccentricity0.0001
Semi-Major Axis42,158 km
Est. Orbital LifetimePermanent — geostationary orbit, no atmospheric drag
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
🇯🇵 Sky Perfect JSAT Corporation/DSN Corp. (Japan)
Launch Date
2018-04-05
Launch Site
Guiana Space Centre, Kourou
Int'l Designator
2018-033A
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Large (>1 m²)
📖 About This Object
SUPERBIRD 8 is an active satellite operated by Sky Perfect JSAT Corporation/DSN Corp. (Japan), launched on 2018-04-05 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,782 km and 35,791 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 SUPERBIRD 8 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.
🌍 Orbit Context
SUPERBIRD 8 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 SUPERBIRD 8’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. Japan operates approximately 189 active satellites in total, of which 26 share a similar altitude band with SUPERBIRD 8.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
SUPERBIRD 8 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.
SUPERBIRD 8 is operated by Sky Perfect JSAT Corporation/DSN Corp. (Japan). It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 43271. You can track SUPERBIRD 8 in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker or browse all operators in the operator directory.
SUPERBIRD 8 was launched on 2018-04-05 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 SUPERBIRD 8 (NORAD ID 43271) 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.
SUPERBIRD 8 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.