ATHENA-FIDUS

ATHENA-FIDUS is an active satellite operated by FRIT, 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 35,780 km and 35,793 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 ATHENA-FIDUS in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

ATHENA-FIDUS 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.