ORBCOMM FM03
NORAD 25158
Payload
LEO
1998-007B
● Active
CONNECTING…
LEO · NORAD 25158
NOW PASSING OVER
Calculating position…
—
Altitude (km)
—
Speed (km/s)
—
Latitude
—
Longitude
Real-time tracking powered by Orbital Radar
🛰️ Orbital Parameters
Perigee
743 km
Apogee
805 km
Inclination
108.0°
Period
100.3 min
Mean Motion
14.35320326 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-03-17 11:00:00 UTC
📐 Computed Orbital Characteristics
Avg. Altitude774 km
Orbital Velocity26,889 km/h
Velocity7.47 km/s
Orbital Period100 minutes
Orbits / Day14.35
Eccentricity0.0043
Semi-Major Axis7,145 km
Est. Orbital Lifetime~25–100 years
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
ORBCOMM
Launch Date
1998-02-10
Launch Site
Vandenberg SFB, California
Int'l Designator
1998-007B
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Medium (0.1–1 m²)
🔗 Constellation / Groups
orbcomm
📖 About This Object
ORBCOMM FM03 is an active satellite operated by ORBCOMM, launched on 1998-02-10 from Vandenberg SFB, California. With over 28 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 743 km and 805 km with an inclination of 108.0°. It travels at approximately 26,889 km/h (7.47 km/s), completing one full orbit every 100 minutes — that’s roughly 14.35 orbits per day. 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 FM03 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 FM03 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 FM03 orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 743 km (perigee) and 805 km (apogee), with an average altitude of approximately 774 km. It completes one orbit every 100 minutes, travelling at approximately 26,889 km/h (16,708 mph).
ORBCOMM FM03 is operated by ORBCOMM. It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 25158. You can track ORBCOMM FM03 in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.
ORBCOMM FM03 was launched on 1998-02-10 from Vandenberg SFB, California, primarily used for polar and sun-synchronous orbit launches due to its southward ocean trajectory from California. At its current altitude, the estimated remaining orbital lifetime is: ~25–100 years.
Yes — Orbital Radar tracks ORBCOMM FM03 (NORAD ID 25158) 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 FM03 travels at approximately 26,889 km/h (16,708 mph) — roughly 7.47 km/s. It completes 14.35 orbits per day, meaning the crew or instruments aboard (if any) would experience approximately 29 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours.
ORBCOMM FM03 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.