SYRACUSE 4A

SYRACUSE 4A is an active satellite operated by Defense Ministry (France), launched on 2021-10-24 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,781 km and 35,794 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 SYRACUSE 4A in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

SYRACUSE 4A 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 SYRACUSE 4A’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. France operates approximately 115 active satellites in total, of which 4 share a similar altitude band with SYRACUSE 4A.