CUTE-LASP

CUTE-LASP is an active satellite operated by Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Science, UC Boulder/National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (United States), launched on 2021-09-27 from Vandenberg SFB, California. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 287 km and 298 km with an inclination of 97.4°. It travels at approximately 27,843 km/h (7.73 km/s), completing one full orbit every 90 minutes — that’s roughly 15.94 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 weeks to months. Orbital Radar tracks CUTE-LASP in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

CUTE-LASP orbits at an average altitude of 293 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 CUTE-LASP’s average altitude, there are currently 333 active payloads and 12 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include STARLINK-1067, STARLINK-1068, STARLINK-1171. With an inclination of 97.4°, CUTE-LASP passes over latitudes between 97.4°N and 97.4°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. United States operates approximately 12,339 active satellites in total, of which 294 share a similar altitude band with CUTE-LASP.