MATS
NORAD 54227
Payload
LEO
2022-147A
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LEO · NORAD 54227
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Altitude (km)
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Speed (km/s)
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Latitude
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🛰️ Orbital Parameters
Perigee
543 km
Apogee
562 km
Inclination
97.7°
Period
95.7 min
Mean Motion
15.04721555 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-03-17 19:00:00 UTC
📐 Computed Orbital Characteristics
Avg. Altitude553 km
Orbital Velocity27,315 km/h
Velocity7.59 km/s
Orbital Period96 minutes
Orbits / Day15.05
Eccentricity0.0014
Semi-Major Axis6,924 km
Orbit ClassSun-Synchronous (SSO)
Est. Orbital Lifetime~3–10 years
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
🇸🇪 Sweden
Launch Date
2022-11-04
Launch Site
RLLC
Int'l Designator
2022-147A
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Medium (0.1–1 m²)
📖 About This Object
MATS is an active satellite operated by Sweden, launched on 2022-11-04 from RLLC. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 543 km and 562 km with an inclination of 97.7°. It travels at approximately 27,315 km/h (7.59 km/s), completing one full orbit every 96 minutes — that’s roughly 15.05 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. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~3–10 years. Orbital Radar tracks MATS in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.
🌍 Orbit Context
MATS 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°.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
MATS is in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), a specialised form of LEO at approximately 553 km altitude. Its 97.7° inclination causes the orbital plane to precess at exactly the rate of the Earth’s revolution around the Sun, so the satellite crosses each latitude at a consistent local solar time. It completes one orbit every 96 minutes, travelling at 27,315 km/h.
MATS is operated by Sweden. It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 54227. You can track MATS in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.
MATS was launched on 2022-11-04 from RLLC. At its current altitude, the estimated remaining orbital lifetime is: ~3–10 years.
Yes — Orbital Radar tracks MATS (NORAD ID 54227) 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.
MATS travels at approximately 27,315 km/h (16,973 mph) — roughly 7.59 km/s. It completes 15.05 orbits per day, meaning the crew or instruments aboard (if any) would experience approximately 30 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours.