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ABS-2

NORAD 39508 Payload GEO 2014-006A ● Active
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Altitude (km)
Speed (km/s)
Latitude
Longitude
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🛰️ Orbital Parameters
Perigee
35774 km
Apogee
35799 km
Inclination
0.0°
Period
1436.1 min
Mean Motion
1.00269593 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-03-17 15:00:00 UTC
📐 Computed Orbital Characteristics
Avg. Altitude35,787 km
Orbital Velocity11,070 km/h
Velocity3.07 km/s
Orbital Period~24 hours (geosynchronous)
Orbits / Day1.00
Eccentricity0.0003
Semi-Major Axis42,158 km
Est. Orbital LifetimePermanent — geostationary orbit, no atmospheric drag
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
Asia Broadcast Satellite
Launch Date
2014-02-06
Launch Site
Guiana Space Centre, Kourou
Int'l Designator
2014-006A
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Medium (0.1–1 m²)
🔗 Constellation / Groups
geo protectedgeo protected plusgeo
📖 About This Object
ABS-2 is an active satellite operated by Asia Broadcast Satellite, launched on 2014-02-06 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. After 12 years in orbit, it continues to be tracked by global surveillance networks. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,774 km and 35,799 km with an inclination of 0.0°. It travels at approximately 11,070 km/h (3.07 km/s), completing one full orbit every ~24 hours (geosynchronous) — that’s roughly 1.00 orbits per day. It is part of the Geo Protected constellation group. At geostationary altitude, there is no meaningful atmospheric drag — this object will remain in orbit indefinitely unless actively deorbited. Orbital Radar tracks ABS-2 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.
🌍 Orbit Context
ABS-2 occupies geostationary orbit (GEO) at approximately 35,786 km above the equator. At this precise altitude, the satellite’s orbital period matches the Earth’s rotation — so it appears to hover over a fixed point on the equator. GEO is used primarily for broadcast television, weather monitoring (Meteosat, GOES) and wideband communications. Only about 560 active satellites occupy the GEO belt, but its commercial value is immense: a single GEO slot can cover roughly one-third of the Earth’s surface.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
ABS-2 orbits at approximately 35,787 km altitude, where the orbital period matches the Earth’s 24-hour rotation. This means it stays above the same point on the equator at all times. Its actual speed is still 11,070 km/h — it just keeps pace with the ground below.
ABS-2 is operated by Asia Broadcast Satellite. It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 39508. You can track ABS-2 in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.
ABS-2 was launched on 2014-02-06 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, the European spaceport in French Guiana, chosen for its equatorial location which provides an energy-efficient boost for orbital insertions.
Yes — Orbital Radar tracks ABS-2 (NORAD ID 39508) 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.
ABS-2 travels at approximately 11,070 km/h (6,878 mph) — roughly 3.07 km/s. Despite this high speed, it appears stationary from the ground because it matches the Earth’s rotation. Geostationary satellites are actually slower than LEO satellites because orbital velocity decreases with altitude.
ABS-2 is a member of the Geo Protected constellation. Satellites in this group work together to provide coordinated coverage, typically in similar orbital planes at comparable altitudes. You can view all Geo Protected satellites on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.