JCSAT 18

JCSAT 18 is an active satellite operated by Sky Perfect JSAT Corporation/Kacific (Japan), launched on 2019-12-17 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. 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. At geostationary altitude, there is no meaningful atmospheric drag — this object will remain in orbit indefinitely unless actively deorbited. Orbital Radar tracks JCSAT 18 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

JCSAT 18 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 JCSAT 18’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. Japan operates approximately 189 active satellites in total, of which 26 share a similar altitude band with JCSAT 18.