ASTROCAST-0101

ASTROCAST-0101 is an active satellite operated by Astrocast (Switzerland), launched on 2021-01-24 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 283 km and 298 km with an inclination of 97.2°. It travels at approximately 27,847 km/h (7.74 km/s), completing one full orbit every 90 minutes — that’s roughly 15.95 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. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is weeks to months. Orbital Radar tracks ASTROCAST-0101 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

ASTROCAST-0101 orbits at an average altitude of 291 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 ASTROCAST-0101’s average altitude, there are currently 336 active payloads and 11 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include STARLINK-1067, STARLINK-1068, STARLINK-1171. With an inclination of 97.2°, ASTROCAST-0101 passes over latitudes between 97.2°N and 97.2°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. Switzerland operates approximately 8 active satellites in total.