KINEIS-4D

KINEIS-4D is an active satellite operated by France, launched on 2025-03-18 from RLLC. As a relatively recent addition to the catalogue, its orbital elements are well-characterised. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 652 km and 655 km with an inclination of 97.9°. It travels at approximately 27,118 km/h (7.53 km/s), completing one full orbit every 98 minutes — that’s roughly 14.72 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 KINEIS-4D in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

KINEIS-4D orbits at an average altitude of 654 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 KINEIS-4D’s average altitude, there are currently 684 active payloads and 1,071 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include TERRA, AQUA, LANDSAT 9. With an inclination of 97.9°, KINEIS-4D passes over latitudes between 97.9°N and 97.9°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. France operates approximately 114 active satellites in total, of which 43 share a similar altitude band with KINEIS-4D.