ORBCOMM FM12
NORAD 25115
Payload
LEO
1997-084D
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LEO · NORAD 25115
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🛰️ Orbital Parameters
Perigee
734 km
Apogee
741 km
Inclination
45.0°
Period
99.5 min
Mean Motion
14.46495529 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-03-17 12:00:00 UTC
📐 Computed Orbital Characteristics
Avg. Altitude738 km
Orbital Velocity26,958 km/h
Velocity7.49 km/s
Orbital Period100 minutes
Orbits / Day14.46
Eccentricity0.0005
Semi-Major Axis7,109 km
Est. Orbital Lifetime~25–100 years
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
ORBCOMM
Launch Date
1997-12-23
Launch Site
Esrange, Sweden
Int'l Designator
1997-084D
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Medium (0.1–1 m²)
🔗 Constellation / Groups
orbcomm
📖 About This Object
ORBCOMM FM12 is an active satellite operated by ORBCOMM, launched on 1997-12-23 from Esrange, Sweden. With over 29 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 734 km and 741 km with an inclination of 45.0°. It travels at approximately 26,958 km/h (7.49 km/s), completing one full orbit every 100 minutes — that’s roughly 14.46 orbits per day. Its near-circular orbit (eccentricity close to zero) means it maintains a very consistent altitude throughout each revolution. It is part of the Orbcomm constellation group. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~25–100 years. Orbital Radar tracks ORBCOMM FM12 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.
🌍 Orbit Context
ORBCOMM FM12 occupies the mid-LEO band between 600 and 1,000 km, where atmospheric drag is minimal but radiation exposure remains low. This altitude range balances orbital longevity (decades to centuries) with reasonable ground coverage, making it popular for remote sensing constellations, scientific instruments and weather satellites. Debris concerns are significant here because objects persist far longer than in lower orbits.
🔗 ORBCOMM Constellation
This satellite is part of the ORBCOMM constellation, providing machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. The OG2 (second-generation) constellation operates in LEO and supports asset tracking, fleet management and industrial monitoring for transportation, heavy equipment, maritime and energy sectors.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
ORBCOMM FM12 orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 734 km (perigee) and 741 km (apogee), with an average altitude of approximately 738 km. It completes one orbit every 100 minutes, travelling at approximately 26,958 km/h (16,751 mph).
ORBCOMM FM12 is operated by ORBCOMM. It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 25115. You can track ORBCOMM FM12 in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.
ORBCOMM FM12 was launched on 1997-12-23 from Esrange, Sweden. At its current altitude, the estimated remaining orbital lifetime is: ~25–100 years.
Yes — Orbital Radar tracks ORBCOMM FM12 (NORAD ID 25115) using the latest TLE (two-line element set) data from Space-Track and CelesTrak. Open the live tracker to see its current position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated in real time.
ORBCOMM FM12 travels at approximately 26,958 km/h (16,751 mph) — roughly 7.49 km/s. It completes 14.46 orbits per day, meaning the crew or instruments aboard (if any) would experience approximately 29 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours.
ORBCOMM FM12 is a member of the Orbcomm constellation. Satellites in this group work together to provide coordinated coverage, typically in similar orbital planes at comparable altitudes. You can view all Orbcomm satellites on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.