CE-SAT-IE

CE-SAT-IE is an active satellite operated by Japan, launched on 2024-02-17 from TNSTA. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 664 km and 669 km with an inclination of 98.0°. It travels at approximately 27,093 km/h (7.53 km/s), completing one full orbit every 98 minutes — that’s roughly 14.68 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 ~10–25 years. Orbital Radar tracks CE-SAT-IE in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

CE-SAT-IE orbits at an average altitude of 667 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 CE-SAT-IE’s average altitude, there are currently 610 active payloads and 1,172 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include TERRA, AQUA, LANDSAT 9. With an inclination of 98.0°, CE-SAT-IE passes over latitudes between 98.0°N and 98.0°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. Japan operates approximately 189 active satellites in total, of which 18 share a similar altitude band with CE-SAT-IE.