FOURIER

FOURIER is an active satellite operated by RWA, launched on 2025-08-23 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 621 km and 642 km with an inclination of 98.0°. It travels at approximately 27,161 km/h (7.54 km/s), completing one full orbit every 97 minutes — that’s roughly 14.79 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. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~10–25 years. Orbital Radar tracks FOURIER in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

FOURIER orbits at an average altitude of 632 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 FOURIER’s average altitude, there are currently 787 active payloads and 855 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ONEWEB-0050. With an inclination of 98.0°, FOURIER 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. RWA operates approximately 7 active satellites in total, of which 5 share a similar altitude band with FOURIER.