CHINASAT 3B

CHINASAT 3B is an active satellite operated by China Satellite Communications (China), launched on 2025-05-20 from Wenchang, China. As a relatively recent addition to the catalogue, its orbital elements are well-characterised. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,774 km and 35,799 km with an inclination of 0.0°. It travels at approximately 11,070 km/h (3.07 km/s), completing one full orbit every ~24 hours (geosynchronous) — that’s roughly 1.00 orbits per day. At geostationary altitude, there is no meaningful atmospheric drag — this object will remain in orbit indefinitely unless actively deorbited. Orbital Radar tracks CHINASAT 3B in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

CHINASAT 3B occupies geostationary orbit at approximately 35,786 km above the equator, where its orbital period matches the Earth’s 24-hour rotation. From the ground, it appears to hover over a fixed point — ideal for broadcast television, weather monitoring and wideband communications. Within ±50 km of CHINASAT 3B’s average altitude, there are currently 713 active payloads and 58 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ASTRA 1N, GOES 16, TDRS 13. China operates approximately 1,219 active satellites in total, of which 108 share a similar altitude band with CHINASAT 3B.