OBJECT C

OBJECT C is an active satellite operated by Changguang WJ (China), launched on 2022-08-10 from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, China on the Jilin-1 launch. Independent catalogue analysis identifies this object as Jilin-1 GaoFen 03D-42, attributed to Chang Guang. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 200 km and 209 km with an inclination of 97.5°. It travels at approximately 28,029 km/h (7.79 km/s), completing one full orbit every 89 minutes — that’s roughly 16.34 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 OBJECT C in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

OBJECT C orbits at an average altitude of 205 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 OBJECT C’s average altitude, there are currently 26 active payloads and 3 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include STARLINK-1209, STARLINK-1267, STARLINK-1274. This is a relatively sparse altitude band, containing less than 1% of all active satellites. With an inclination of 97.5°, OBJECT C passes over latitudes between 97.5°N and 97.5°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 1,650 active satellites in total, of which 2 share a similar altitude band with OBJECT C.