KHALIFASAT

KHALIFASAT is an active satellite operated by UAE, launched on 2018-10-29 from TNSTA. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 560 km and 568 km with an inclination of 98.1°. It travels at approximately 27,293 km/h (7.58 km/s), completing one full orbit every 96 minutes — that’s roughly 15.01 orbits per day. Its near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit means it passes over any given point on Earth at approximately the same local solar time, ideal for consistent Earth observation lighting conditions. Its near-circular orbit (eccentricity close to zero) means it maintains a very consistent altitude throughout each revolution. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~3–10 years. Orbital Radar tracks KHALIFASAT in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

KHALIFASAT operates in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), a special subset of LEO where the orbital plane precesses to keep a constant angle relative to the Sun. This means the satellite crosses any given latitude at approximately the same local solar time on every pass, providing consistent lighting conditions — essential for Earth observation, weather monitoring and environmental science. SSO orbits typically sit between 600 and 800 km altitude with inclinations near 97–99°.