LEOPARD

LEOPARD is an active satellite operated by Kyutech (Japan), launched on 1998-11-20 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan on the 77KM No. 17501 launch. With over 28 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 226 km and 235 km with an inclination of 51.6°. It travels at approximately 27,974 km/h (7.77 km/s), completing one full orbit every 89 minutes — that’s roughly 16.16 orbits per day. 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 weeks to months. Orbital Radar tracks LEOPARD in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

LEOPARD orbits at an average altitude of 231 km in the lower reaches of Low Earth Orbit, where atmospheric drag is significant and orbital lifetimes are measured in months to a few years. This is the busiest corridor in space — home to crewed spacecraft, rapid-revisit imaging satellites and the densest part of the Starlink constellation. Within ±50 km of LEOPARD’s average altitude, there are currently 59 active payloads and 5 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include STARLINK-1209, STARLINK-1212, STARLINK-1267. This is a relatively sparse altitude band, containing less than 1% of all active satellites. With an inclination of 51.6°, LEOPARD passes over latitudes between 51.6°N and 51.6°S, covering most populated land masses in both hemispheres. This mid-inclination band balances global coverage with efficient launch energy requirements. Japan operates approximately 207 active satellites in total, of which 2 share a similar altitude band with LEOPARD.