SYMPHONIE 2

SYMPHONIE 2 is an active satellite operated by CNES / DFVLR (FGER), launched on 1975-08-27 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, United States on the Symphonie MV2 launch. After more than 51 years in orbit, it is one of the longest-surviving objects in the space catalogue. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,846 km and 35,890 km with an inclination of 3.7°. It travels at approximately 11,059 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 SYMPHONIE 2 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

SYMPHONIE 2 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. With an inclination of 3.7°, it traces a small figure-of-eight pattern relative to the equator rather than remaining perfectly stationary, which can indicate aging stationkeeping fuel or a deliberate inclined-orbit strategy. Within ±50 km of SYMPHONIE 2’s average altitude, there are currently 69 active payloads and 39 tracked debris or rocket body fragments. FGER operates approximately 2 active satellites in total, of which 2 share a similar altitude band with SYMPHONIE 2.