PUNCH-WFI01

PUNCH-WFI01 is an active satellite operated by United States, launched on 2025-03-12 from Vandenberg SFB, California. As a relatively recent addition to the catalogue, its orbital elements are well-characterised. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 641 km and 654 km with an inclination of 98.0°. It travels at approximately 27,130 km/h (7.54 km/s), completing one full orbit every 98 minutes — that’s roughly 14.74 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 PUNCH-WFI01 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

PUNCH-WFI01 orbits at an average altitude of 648 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 PUNCH-WFI01’s average altitude, there are currently 693 active payloads and 1,013 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include TERRA, AQUA. With an inclination of 98.0°, PUNCH-WFI01 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. United States operates approximately 12,339 active satellites in total, of which 298 share a similar altitude band with PUNCH-WFI01.