CBERS 4A

CBERS 4A is an active satellite operated by China National Space Administration (CNSA)/National Institute for Space Research (Brazil) (China/Brazil), launched on 2019-12-20 from Taiyuan, China. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 624 km and 625 km with an inclination of 98.0°. It travels at approximately 27,175 km/h (7.55 km/s), completing one full orbit every 97 minutes — that’s roughly 14.81 orbits per day. Its near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit means it passes over any given point on Earth at approximately the same local solar time, ideal for consistent Earth observation lighting conditions. Its near-circular orbit (eccentricity close to zero) means it maintains a very consistent altitude throughout each revolution. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~10–25 years. Orbital Radar tracks CBERS 4A in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

CBERS 4A orbits at an average altitude of 625 km in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), a specialised subset of LEO where the orbital plane precesses to maintain a constant angle relative to the Sun. This provides consistent lighting conditions on every pass — essential for Earth observation, weather monitoring and environmental science. Within ±50 km of CBERS 4A’s average altitude, there are currently 815 active payloads and 803 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ONEWEB-0050, STARLINK-36132. With an inclination of 98.0°, CBERS 4A passes over latitudes between 98.0°N and 98.0°S, providing near-global coverage including the polar regions. Polar and near-polar orbits are used for reconnaissance, weather monitoring and Earth-observation missions that need to image every part of the planet. China/Brazil operates approximately 4 active satellites in total.