APSTAR 6C

APSTAR 6C is an active satellite operated by APT Satellite Holdings Ltd. (China), launched on 2018-05-03 from Xichang, China. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,784 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 APSTAR 6C in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

APSTAR 6C 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 APSTAR 6C’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. China operates approximately 1,219 active satellites in total, of which 109 share a similar altitude band with APSTAR 6C.