OBJECT H

OBJECT H is an active satellite operated by China, launched on 2025-03-17 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China on the Yunyao-1 55-60 launch. As a relatively recent addition to the catalogue, its orbital elements are well-characterised. Independent catalogue analysis identifies this object as Zhongke-1 07, attributed to Zhongke Weixing / Jigang Jituan. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 407 km and 412 km with an inclination of 97.7°. It travels at approximately 27,602 km/h (7.67 km/s), completing one full orbit every 93 minutes — that’s roughly 15.53 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 OBJECT H in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

OBJECT H orbits at an average altitude of 410 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 OBJECT H’s average altitude, there are currently 1,380 active payloads and 96 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ISS (ZARYA), STARLINK-1008, STARLINK-1012. This makes it one of the more crowded altitude bands, containing roughly 7% of all active satellites. With an inclination of 97.7°, OBJECT H passes over latitudes between 97.7°N and 97.7°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. China operates approximately 1,650 active satellites in total, of which 95 share a similar altitude band with OBJECT H.