ORBCOMM FM17
NORAD 25413
Payload
LEO
1998-046A
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🛰️ Orbital Parameters
Perigee
772 km
Apogee
773 km
Inclination
45.0°
Period
100.3 min
Mean Motion
14.35759639 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-03-17 05:00:00 UTC
📐 Computed Orbital Characteristics
Avg. Altitude773 km
Orbital Velocity26,892 km/h
Velocity7.47 km/s
Orbital Period100 minutes
Orbits / Day14.36
Eccentricity0.0001
Semi-Major Axis7,144 km
Est. Orbital Lifetime~25–100 years
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
ORBCOMM
Launch Date
1998-08-02
Launch Site
Esrange, Sweden
Int'l Designator
1998-046A
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Medium (0.1–1 m²)
🔗 Constellation / Groups
orbcomm
📖 About This Object
ORBCOMM FM17 is an active satellite operated by ORBCOMM, launched on 1998-08-02 from Esrange, Sweden. With over 28 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 772 km and 773 km with an inclination of 45.0°. It travels at approximately 26,892 km/h (7.47 km/s), completing one full orbit every 100 minutes — that’s roughly 14.36 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 FM17 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 FM17 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 FM17 orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 772 km (perigee) and 773 km (apogee), with an average altitude of approximately 773 km. It completes one orbit every 100 minutes, travelling at approximately 26,892 km/h (16,710 mph).
ORBCOMM FM17 is operated by ORBCOMM. It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 25413. You can track ORBCOMM FM17 in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.
ORBCOMM FM17 was launched on 1998-08-02 from Esrange, Sweden. At its current altitude, the estimated remaining orbital lifetime is: ~25–100 years.
Yes — Orbital Radar tracks ORBCOMM FM17 (NORAD ID 25413) 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 FM17 travels at approximately 26,892 km/h (16,710 mph) — roughly 7.47 km/s. It completes 14.36 orbits per day, meaning the crew or instruments aboard (if any) would experience approximately 29 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours.
ORBCOMM FM17 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.