SHIYAN 12 02 (SY-12 02)

SHIYAN 12 02 (SY-12 02) is an active satellite operated by China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) (China), launched on 2021-12-23 from Wenchang, China. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,714 km and 35,737 km with an inclination of 3.7°. It travels at approximately 11,078 km/h (3.08 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 SHIYAN 12 02 (SY-12 02) in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

SHIYAN 12 02 (SY-12 02) 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. With an inclination of 3.7°, it traces a small figure-of-eight pattern relative to the equator rather than remaining perfectly stationary, which can indicate aging stationkeeping fuel or a deliberate inclined-orbit strategy. Within ±50 km of SHIYAN 12 02 (SY-12 02)’s average altitude, there are currently 42 active payloads and 36 tracked debris or rocket body fragments. China operates approximately 1,219 active satellites in total.