SPIRIT

SPIRIT is an active satellite operated by Australia, launched on 2023-12-01 from Vandenberg SFB, California on the Korea 425 launch. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 178 km and 195 km with an inclination of 97.3°. It travels at approximately 28,067 km/h (7.80 km/s), completing one full orbit every 88 minutes — that’s roughly 16.40 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 days to weeks — very low orbit, rapid decay. Orbital Radar tracks SPIRIT in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

SPIRIT orbits at an average altitude of 187 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 SPIRIT’s average altitude, there are currently 11 active payloads and 0 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include STARLINK-1826, STARLINK-2083. This is a relatively sparse altitude band, containing less than 1% of all active satellites. With an inclination of 97.3°, SPIRIT passes over latitudes between 97.3°N and 97.3°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. Australia operates approximately 42 active satellites in total.