ERNST

ERNST is an active satellite operated by Fraunhofer EMI (Germany), launched on 2024-08-16 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, United States on the Transporter-11 launch. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 435 km and 443 km with an inclination of 97.4°. It travels at approximately 27,542 km/h (7.65 km/s), completing one full orbit every 93 minutes — that’s roughly 15.42 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 ~1–3 years. Orbital Radar tracks ERNST in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

ERNST orbits at an average altitude of 439 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 ERNST’s average altitude, there are currently 10,433 active payloads and 133 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ISS (ZARYA), STARLINK-1017, STARLINK-1039. This makes it one of the more crowded altitude bands, containing roughly 55% of all active satellites. With an inclination of 97.4°, ERNST passes over latitudes between 97.4°N and 97.4°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. Germany operates approximately 93 active satellites in total, of which 13 share a similar altitude band with ERNST.