HJ-2A

HJ-2A is an active satellite operated by China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application (CRESDA) (China), launched on 2020-09-27 from Taiyuan, China. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 639 km and 642 km with an inclination of 97.9°. It travels at approximately 27,144 km/h (7.54 km/s), completing one full orbit every 98 minutes — that’s roughly 14.77 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 HJ-2A in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

HJ-2A orbits at an average altitude of 641 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 HJ-2A’s average altitude, there are currently 737 active payloads and 935 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include TERRA, AQUA, ONEWEB-0050. With an inclination of 97.9°, HJ-2A passes over latitudes between 97.9°N and 97.9°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 operates approximately 1,218 active satellites in total, of which 159 share a similar altitude band with HJ-2A.