AE1D

AE1D is an active satellite operated by ArkEdge (Japan), launched on 2025-01-14 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, United States on the Transporter-12 launch. As a relatively recent addition to the catalogue, its orbital elements are well-characterised. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 278 km and 290 km with an inclination of 97.4°. It travels at approximately 27,861 km/h (7.74 km/s), completing one full orbit every 90 minutes — that’s roughly 16.02 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 AE1D in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

AE1D orbits at an average altitude of 284 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 AE1D’s average altitude, there are currently 206 active payloads and 15 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include STARLINK-1036, STARLINK-1048, STARLINK-1068. With an inclination of 97.4°, AE1D 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. Japan operates approximately 208 active satellites in total, of which 2 share a similar altitude band with AE1D.