GSAT-31
NORAD 44035
Payload
GEO
2019-007B
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GEO · NORAD 44035
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🛰️ Orbital Parameters
Perigee
35769 km
Apogee
35805 km
Inclination
0.0°
Period
1436.1 min
Mean Motion
1.00270229 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-03-17 22:00:00 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
Eccentricity0.0004
Semi-Major Axis42,158 km
Est. Orbital LifetimePermanent — geostationary orbit, no atmospheric drag
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
🇮🇳 India
Launch Date
2019-02-05
Launch Site
Guiana Space Centre, Kourou
Int'l Designator
2019-007B
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Medium (0.1–1 m²)
🔗 Constellation / Groups
geo protectedgeo protected plusgeo
📖 About This Object
GSAT-31 is an active satellite operated by India, launched on 2019-02-05 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,769 km and 35,805 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 GSAT-31 in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.
🌍 Orbit Context
GSAT-31 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.
🔗 Galileo Navigation Constellation
This satellite is part of Galileo, the European Union's global navigation satellite system. Galileo provides high-accuracy positioning independent of GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou. The constellation operates at approximately 23,222 km altitude in three orbital planes with an inclination of 56°. Galileo offers multiple services including the Open Service (free, metre-level accuracy), High Accuracy Service (centimetre-level) and the Search and Rescue return-link service.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
GSAT-31 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.
GSAT-31 is operated by India. It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 44035. You can track GSAT-31 in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.
GSAT-31 was launched on 2019-02-05 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 GSAT-31 (NORAD ID 44035) 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.
GSAT-31 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.
GSAT-31 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.