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CZ
FB-1 Engine
China's first ICBM, the DF-5, first flew in 1971. It was a two-stage storable-propellant rocket in the same class as the American Titan, the Russian R-36, or the European Ariane. The DF-5 spawned a long series of Long March ("Chang Zheng") CZ-2, CZ-3, and CZ-4 launch vehicles. These used cryogenic engines for upper stages and liquid-propellant strap-on motors to create a family of 12 Long-March rocket configurations capable of placing up to 9,200 kg into orbit. In 2000 China began development of a new generation of expendable launch vehicles using non-toxic, high-performance propellants with supposedly lower operating costs. However these encountered development delays, and it seemed the reliable Long March series of rockets would continue in operational use for nearly fifty years before being replaced.
AKA: Chang Zheng;Long March.
Tsien Hsue-Shen, America's leading theoretician in rocket and high-speed flight theory, returned to his native China in 1955. He assisted in negotiation of a 1956 agreement with the Soviet Union for transfer of rocket and nuclear technology to China, including training of Chinese students at Russian universities. However building rocket technology in China was a long process. Achieving the indigenous technologies in metallurgy, machinery, and electronics was an enormous task The Russians provided an R-2 rocket, an improved version of the V-2, as a starting point. But in 1960 the Soviet government discontinued further cooperation with China. Nevertheless later that year Tsien launched the first Chinese-built R-2.
Chinese political upheavals - the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution, Tsien's backing of the disgraced Lin Biao - further delayed progress. Nevertheless by 1971 China had tested its first ICBM (the DF-5). China's space industry developed new cryogenic engines and used a modular approach to create a family of 12 Long-March rocket configurations based on the CZ-2 design capable of placing up to 9,200 kg into orbit. China launched 27 foreign-made satellites in 1985-2000. However then a US embargo over improper technology transfer and collapse of the MEO satellite market led to a sharp reduction in commercial launches. China established three land-locked launch sites to reach various orbits. These were Jiuquan, for launch to mid-inclination orbits, Xichang for launch to geosynchronous orbit, and Taiyuan for polar orbits.
In April 1992 the Chinese leadership decided that an independent manned space program could be afforded. New launch facilities were built at the Jiuquan launch site for the CZ-2F manned launch vehicle. The project culminated in the launch of China's first astronaut in 2003. China's ten-year space objectives established in 2000 included development of a new generation of expendable launch vehicles using non-toxic, high-performance propellants with lower operating costs. However these encountered development delays, and it seemed the reliable Long March series of rockets would continue in operational use for nearly fifty years before being replaced.
Subtopics
| Chang Zheng 2 Chinese orbital launch vehicle. The CZ-2 was originally designed for launch of the FSW-1 recoverable military reconnaissance satellite. |
| Chang Zheng 2 Spaceplane Launcher Chinese orbital launch vehicle. Tsien's manned spacecraft design proposed in the late 1970's was a winged spaceplane, launched by a CZ-2 core booster with two large strap-on boosters. It so strongly resembled the cancelled US Dynasoar of 15 years earlier that US intelligence analysts wondered if it wasn't based on declassified Dynasoar technical information. |
| Chang Zheng 2C Chinese orbital launch vehicle. The CZ-2C was the definitive low earth orbit launch vehicle derived from DF-5 ICBM. It became the basis for an entire family of subsequent Long March vehicles. Many adaptive modifications were made to the configuration of the CZ-2A to handle a variety of new satellites and upper stages. The CZ-2C had improved technical performance and payload capacity compared to the CZ-2A, with later versions having a payload capability of 2,800 kg into a 200 km circular orbit. |
| Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD On April 28, 1993, the Chinese Great Wall Industrial Corporation and Motorola signed a launch services contract for multiple launch of Iridium communications satellites using CZ-2C/SD launch vehicles. The main differences between the CZ-2C and the CZ-2C/SD were: a modified fairing with a diameter of 3.35m; a newly developed Smart Dispenser; improved second stage fuel and oxidizer tanks; and second stage engines with higher expansion ratio nozzles. |
| Chang Zheng 2D Chinese orbital launch vehicle. The Long March 2D was a two-stage launch vehicle with storable propellants, suitable for launching a variety of low earth orbit satellites. Developed and manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, the CZ-2D had a typical payload capability of 3,500kg in a 200 km circular orbit. Its first stage was identical to that of the CZ-4. The second stage was essentially the same as that of the CZ-4, except for an improved vehicle equipment bay. |
| Chang Zheng 2E Chinese orbital launch vehicle. The CZ-2E added four liquid rocket booster strap-ons to the basic CZ-2 core to achieve a low earth orbit payload capability approaching the Russian Proton, US Titan, or European Ariane rockets. The Long March 2E had a maximum payload capability of 9,500 kg to low earth orbit. |
| Chang Zheng 2E(A) Planned upgrade of CZ-2E with enlarged liquid boosters. Probably intended for launch of Chinese space station modules in the 21st century. Fairing was 5.20 m in diameter and 12.39 m long. |
| Chang Zheng 2F Chinese orbital launch vehicle. Man-rated version of CZ-2E, designed for launch of the Shenzhou spacecraft. Little difference externally. Modifications were related to improved redundancy of systems, strengthened upper stage to handle large 921-1 spacecraft fairing and launch escape tower. President Jiang Zemin gave the name 'Shenjian' ('Divine Arrow') to the CZ-2F after the successful launch of the Shenzhou-3 mission. |
| Chang Zheng 2FT1 Chinese orbital launch vehicle. Adaptation of the man-rated CZ-2F for delivery of the Tiangong space laboratory to orbit. |
| Chang Zheng 3 Chinese orbital launch vehicle. The Long March 3 was a three-stage launch vehicle designed for delivery of satellites of 1,500 kg mass into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The first and second stages were based on the CZ-2C, and designed and manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. The majority of the technology and flight hardware used in the CZ-3 had been qualified and proven on the CZ-2C. The third stage, manufactured by CALT, was equipped with an LOX/LH2 cryogenic engine. Long March 3 was also capable of placing spacecraft into an elliptical or circular low earth orbit and sun synchronous orbit. |
| Chang Zheng 3A Chinese three-stage orbital launch vehicle. The Long March 3A, by incorporating the mature technologies of the CZ-3 and adding a more powerful cryogenic third stage and more capable control system, had a greater geosynchronous transfer orbit capability, greater flexibility for attitude control, and better adaptability to a variety of launch missions. |
| Chang Zheng 3B Chinese orbital launch vehicle. The Long March 3B was the most powerful Long March launch vehicle. It could inject a 5,000 kg payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The CZ-3B was developed on the basis of the CZ-3A, but had enlarged propellant tanks, larger fairing, and four boosters strapped onto the core stage. The CZ-3B boosters were identical to those of the CZ-3A. |
| Chang Zheng 3B(A) Chinese orbital launch vehicle. In February 1999 the China Great Wall Company announced it was developing more powerful Long March rockets using larger-size liquid propellant strap-on motors. The Long March 3B(A) would be available in 2002. |
| Chang Zheng 3B/G2 Version of the Long March 3BE, said to be without the YZ-1 upper stage, used for launches of Beidou into inclined geosynchronous orbit. |
| Chang Zheng 3BE Version of the Long March 3B with lengthened first stage and boosters, increasing geosynchronous payload to 5,500 kg. |
| Chang Zheng 3C Chinese orbital launch vehicle. Launch vehicle combining CZ-3B core with two boosters from CZ-2E. The standard fairing was 9.56 m long, 4.0 m in diameter. On August 23, 2001, the CZ-3C launcher passed its critical design review. CZ-3C development had begun in 1995 but was suspended in 1996-2000 due to the 1996 CZ-3B failure. First launch was in 2008. |
| Chang Zheng 3C/G2 Chinese launch vehicle. Adaptation of the CZ-3C for delivery of the Chang'e spacecraft to a translunar trajectory using the G2 fourth stage. |
| Chang Zheng 3C/YZ1 Chinese orbital launch vehicle. Version of the CZ-3C for delivery of the third generation Beidou navigation satellites to synchronous orbit. Used the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) fourth stage. The stage used N2O4/UDMH storable propellants with a thrust of only 6.5 kN |
| Chang Zheng 4 Chinese orbital launch vehicle. The CZ-4 was developed and manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. Its first stage was essentially the same as that of the CZ-3 and the second stage was identical to that of the CZ-3. The CZ-4's third stage, however, was a development, featuring a thin wall common intertank bulkhead tankage and two-engine cluster with both engines gimbaling about two perpendicular axes. The third stage engine cluster connected to the tank aft bulkhead through the engine bay. The CZ-4 had two payload fairing configurations: Type-A and Type-B. The CZ-4 was designed for launching satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. |
| Chang Zheng 4B Chinese orbital launch vehicle. The CZ-4B introduced in 1999 was an improved model of the CZ-4B with an enhanced third stage and fairing. It measured 44.1 meters in length with a first stage thrust of 300 metric tons. |
| Chang Zheng 4C Chinese orbital launch vehicle. The CZ-4C, first flown in 2007, had an upgraded second-stage engine that could be restarted in space. The vehicle also had structural rings at the base of the first and second stages, an interstage weather cover, ejected at liftoff, and the larger payload shroud introduced on the CZ-4B. All of these indicated that the vehicle was designed to take larger payloads to higher, more precise orbits than the CZ-4B. |
| CZ H-18 Chinese space tug. 11 launches, (1994) to (2000). Upper stage / space tug - in production. Launched by CZ-3A, CZ-3B, and CZ-3C. |
| CZ-2C (2) Chinese orbital launch vehicle variant. |
| CZ-2C (3) Chinese orbital launch vehicle variant. |
| CZ-2D (2) Chinese orbital launch vehicle variant. |
| CZ-2F/G Chinese orbital launch vehicle variant, improved version of CZ-2F. |
| CZ-3B/G3 Chinese orbital launch vehicle variant. |
| CZ-3B/G3Z Chinese orbital launch vehicle variant. |
| CZ-3B/YZ1 Chinese orbital launch vehicle variant with YZ1 upper stage. |
| DF-3 Tsien Development of the original DF-3 10,000 km missile was undertaken personally by Tsien Hue Shen, the father of Chinese rocketry, but faced insurmountable technical and management difficulties. It was cancelled and replaced by the DF-4. |
| Dong Feng 5 Development of the DF-5 began in 1964. The goal was an ICBM capable of reaching the United States. Although deployed in very limited numbers as an ICBM, this rocket became the basis for an entire family of space launch vehicles and the foundation of the Chinese space program. |
| Dong Feng 5A Chinese intercontinental ballistic missile. Modernized DF-5 incorporating guidance and propulsion improvements developed for the CZ-series of launch vehicles. |
| Dong Feng 5C Chinese intercontinetal ballistic missile. Variant with 10 MIRV warheads. |
| Feng Bao 1 Chinese orbital launch vehicle. The FB-1, like the CZ-2 launch vehicle begun the following year, was a two-stage booster developed from the DF-5 intercontinental ballistic missile. Payload for the booster was the JSSW, believed to have been a television-transmission military reconnaissance satellite. The incredible decision to develop two nearly identical rockets concurrently can be blamed on the turbulent factional politics after the Cultural Revolution. |
| Perigee Orbit Transfer Motor Fourth Academy solid rocket engine. In Production. Basic perigee kick motor for CZ-2E launch vehicle. Featured glass fiber-wound case, HTPB propellant, 3-D finocyl propellant grain, and carbon/carbon throat insert. First flight 1990. |
Country:
China.
Spacecraft:
Beidou 3,
JB-3,
Jilin,
4M,
Beidou-GEO,
Beidou-IGSO,
Beidou-MEO,
CAST1000,
CAST2000,
CAST3000,
CAST968,
Chang'e-5,
Chang'e-5 RRFV,
Ling Qiao,
Phoenix Eye,
Proteus,
SJ-11,
SJ-7,
Tianhui,
Tiantuo,
Tianxun,
Toronto GNB,
Vesselsat,
XY-1,
Yutu,
Oscar,
JSSW,
FSW,
Chinese Manned Capsule 1978,
SJ,
HS 376,
DFH-2,
FY-1,
FS-1300,
HS 601,
Badr,
Freja,
AS 7000,
DFH-3,
Spacebus 3000,
AS 2100,
LM 700,
FY-2,
SACI,
ZY,
Shenzhou,
FH-1,
Beidou,
HY-1,
Cubesat,
Shenzhou OM,
CX-1,
Double Star,
OlympicSat,
Shiyan,
SJ-6,
Shiyan Weixing,
Spacebus 4000,
DFH-4,
Zheda Pixing,
Chang'e,
FY-3,
HJ-1,
Ban Xing,
JB-5,
Tiangong,
JB-9,
JB-7,
JB-6,
JB-8,
JB-10,
JB-11.
Launch Sites:
Jiuquan,
Taiyuan,
Xichang.
Photo Gallery
| FB-1 |
| Chinese RV Test Test of low drag Chinese re-entry vehicle, 1998. Credit: Richard D. Fisher, Jr |
| FB-1 |
| FB-1 |
| CZ-2E |
| CZ-2E Credit: © Mark Wade |
| LM-2E Launch photo of Long March LM-2E launch vehicle. |
| CZ-2F at LA4 |
| CZ-2F LRB |
| CZ-2F |
| CZ-2F Rollout |
| CZ-2F in VAB |
| CZ-2F Escape Tower |
| CZ-2F Rollout Big |
| CZ-2F on pad Full |
| CZ-2 |
| CZ-2 |
| CZ-2 Stage 2 |
| CZ-2 instrument bay |
| CZ-2 pad |
| CZ-2 engine |
| LM-3A Long March LM-3A launch vehicle on the launch pad. |
| CZ-3B failure |
| LM-3B Cutaway Cutaway view of LM-3B launch vehicle. |
| CZ Family Credit: © Mark Wade |
1971 September 10 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Research and Development Suborbital Flight.
1972 August 10 - .
00:32 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Feng Bao 1.
- Shiyan Peizhong - .
Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). Research and Development Suborbital Flight.
1973 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Nation: China.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1973 September 18 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Feng Bao 1.
FAILURE: Failure.
Failed Stage: U.
- JSSW 1 - .
Payload: JSSW 1. Mass: 1,100 kg (2,400 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Spacecraft: JSSW.
1974 July 14 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Feng Bao 1.
FAILURE: Vehicle lost attitude stability and destroyed by range safety..
Failed Stage: G.
- JSSW 2 - .
Payload: JSSW 2. Mass: 1,100 kg (2,400 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Spacecraft: JSSW.
1974 November 5 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2.
FAILURE: Cable carrying pitch rate gyro signal disconnected..
Failed Stage: G.
- FSW-0 - .
Payload: FSW-0 No. A. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Decay Date: 1974-11-05 .
1975 July 26 - .
13:28 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Feng Bao 1.
- JSSW 3 - .
Payload: JSSW 3. Mass: 1,107 kg (2,440 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: JSSW.
Decay Date: 1975-09-14 . USAF Sat Cat: 8053 . COSPAR: 1975-070A. Apogee: 455 km (282 mi). Perigee: 190 km (110 mi). Inclination: 69.00 deg. Period: 90.90 min. Photo surveillance; radio transmission. .
1975 November 26 - .
03:29 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-0 No. 1 - .
Payload: FSW-0 No. 01. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 2.00 days. Decay Date: 1975-12-29 . USAF Sat Cat: 8452 . COSPAR: 1975-111A. Apogee: 483 km (300 mi). Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 91.10 min.
First orbital test of Chinese recoverable photo surveillance satellite. The spacecraft was brought down early, after three days in orbit, due to problems with the attitude control system cold gas supply. Along the skirt of the return capsule some wires and instruments were burnt during re-entry and capsule impacted far from its planned landing point. However usable film was obtained from the capsule. The Chinese Academy of Space Technology organised a team to determine the cause, and improvements were made in the next spacecraft of the model. Additional Details: here....
1975 December 16 - .
09:19 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Feng Bao 1.
- JSSW 4 - .
Payload: JSSW 4. Mass: 1,110 kg (2,440 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: JSSW.
Decay Date: 1976-01-27 . USAF Sat Cat: 8488 . COSPAR: 1975-119A. Apogee: 387 km (240 mi). Perigee: 186 km (115 mi). Inclination: 69.00 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Photo surveillance; radio transmission. .
1976 August 30 - .
11:53 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Feng Bao 1.
- JSSW 5 - .
Payload: JSSW 5. Mass: 1,108 kg (2,442 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: JSSW.
Decay Date: 1978-11-25 . USAF Sat Cat: 9394 . COSPAR: 1976-087A. Apogee: 2,145 km (1,332 mi). Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Inclination: 69.20 deg. Period: 108.80 min.
1976 November 10 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Feng Bao 1.
FAILURE: Failure.
Failed Stage: U.
- JSSW 6 - .
Payload: JSSW 6. Mass: 1,100 kg (2,400 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Spacecraft: JSSW.
1976 December 7 - .
04:38 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-0 No. 2 - .
Payload: FSW-0 No. 02. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 2.00 days. Decay Date: 1977-01-02 . USAF Sat Cat: 9587 . COSPAR: 1976-117A. Apogee: 489 km (303 mi). Perigee: 172 km (106 mi). Inclination: 59.40 deg. Period: 91.10 min. Photo surveillance; film capsule recovered 9 December. First completely successful test of the FSW spy satellite. Many improvements in comparison to the first FSW orbited..
1977 September 14 - .
00:15 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Feng Bao 1.
- DDDS test - .
Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).
1978 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Nation: China.
Agency: XPRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1978 January 26 - .
04:58 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-0 No. 3 - .
Payload: FSW-0 No. 03. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 5.00 days. Decay Date: 1978-02-07 . USAF Sat Cat: 10611 . COSPAR: 1978-011A. Apogee: 507 km (315 mi). Perigee: 186 km (115 mi). Inclination: 57.00 deg. Period: 91.40 min. Photo surveillance; film capsule; capsule returned January 30. Second fully successful FSW mission..
1978 February - .
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2 Spaceplane Launcher.
- First public announcement of a Chinese manned program - .
Nation: China.
Spacecraft Bus: FSW.
Spacecraft: Chinese Manned Capsule 1978.
First public announcement of a Chinese manned program came in February, 1978. By November the head of the Chinese Space Agency, Jen Hsin-Min, confirmed that China was working on a manned space capsule and a 'Skylab' space station..
1978 April 15 - .
16:39 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Feng Bao 1.
- DDDS test - .
Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).
1979 - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Nation: China.
Agency: XPRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1979 January 7 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Other sources say launch was from Taiyuan..
1979 July 15 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Other sources say launch was from Taiyuan..
1979 July 28 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Feng Bao 1.
FAILURE: Second stage failure..
Failed Stage: 2.
- SJ-1 - .
Payload: Shi Jian 1. Mass: 221 kg (487 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Spacecraft: SJ.
The SJ-1 was similar in appearance to the American Telstar and conducted communications technology tests..
1979 August 21 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Other sources say launch was from Taiyuan on 2 August..
1979 September 4 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Other sources say launch was from Taiyuan..
1979 Oct 15? - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Nation: China.
Agency: XPRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1979 November 26 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Other sources say launch was from Taiyuan on 15 October..
1980 January - .
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2 Spaceplane Launcher.
1980 February 15 - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Last DF-5 partial range test. - .
Nation: China.
Program: Long March.
Other sources do not list this test..
1980 February 15 - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Nation: China.
Agency: XPRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1980 May 18 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Test mission - .
Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1980 May 21 - .
02:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Test mission - .
Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1981 September 19 - .
21:28 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Feng Bao 1.
- SJ-2A - .
Payload: Shi Jian 2B. Mass: 257 kg (566 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: SJ.
Decay Date: 1981-09-26 . USAF Sat Cat: 12842 . COSPAR: 1981-093A. Apogee: 1,598 km (992 mi). Perigee: 232 km (144 mi). Inclination: 59.50 deg. Period: 103.30 min.
- SJ-2 - .
Payload: Shi Jian 2. Mass: 483 kg (1,064 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: SJ.
Decay Date: 1982-08-17 . USAF Sat Cat: 12845 . COSPAR: 1981-093D. Apogee: 1,608 km (999 mi). Perigee: 232 km (144 mi). Inclination: 59.40 deg. Period: 103.40 min.
- SJ-2B - .
Payload: Shi Jian C. Mass: 28 kg (61 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: SJ.
Decay Date: 1982-10-06 . USAF Sat Cat: 12843 . COSPAR: 1981-093B. Apogee: 1,615 km (1,003 mi). Perigee: 233 km (144 mi). Inclination: 59.40 deg. Period: 103.50 min. Balloon for drag studies..
1981 December 7 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Other sources say launch was from Taiyuan..
1982 September 9 - .
07:19 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-0 No. 4 - .
Payload: FSW-0 No. 04. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 5.00 days. Decay Date: 1982-09-21 . USAF Sat Cat: 13521 . COSPAR: 1982-090A. Apogee: 392 km (243 mi). Perigee: 172 km (106 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Photo surveillance; film capsule recovered 14 September..
1983 August 19 - .
06:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-0 No. 5 - .
Payload: FSW-0 No. 05. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 5.00 days. Decay Date: 1983-09-03 . USAF Sat Cat: 14288 . COSPAR: 1983-086A. Apogee: 493 km (306 mi). Perigee: 170 km (100 mi). Inclination: 63.30 deg. Period: 91.20 min. Photo surveillance; film capsule recovered 24 August..
1984 January 29 - .
12:25 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3.
FAILURE: Third stage failed to ignite..
Failed Stage: U.
- STTW-T1 - .
Payload: STTW-T1. Mass: 900 kg (1,980 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-2.
USAF Sat Cat: 14670 . COSPAR: 1984-008A. Apogee: 6,446 km (4,005 mi). Perigee: 484 km (300 mi). Inclination: 36.10 deg. Period: 162.00 min. First launch of a prototype DFH-2 communications satellite. Payload stranded in low earth orbit, but all subsystems including the communications payload were completely checked and tested..
1984 April 8 - .
11:20 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3.
- STTW-T2 - .
Payload: STTW-T2. Mass: 900 kg (1,980 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-2.
Completed Operations Date: 1988-06-28 . USAF Sat Cat: 14899 . COSPAR: 1984-035A. Apogee: 35,796 km (22,242 mi). Perigee: 35,733 km (22,203 mi). Inclination: 6.10 deg. Period: 1,435.00 min.
Prototype of DFH-2 communications satellite. After on-orbit testing and check out of the satellite and the ground stations, the satellite system was declared operational, and was used experimentally for the transmission of television, telephone, and data messages with good results. It stayed in operation for more than four years, exceeding the design life of three years by a comfortable margin. Operated in geosynchronous orbit at 125 deg E in 1984-1988. As of 4 September 2001 located at 40.81 deg E drifting at 0.320 deg W per day. As of 2007 Feb 27 located at 133.57E drifting at 0.079W degrees per day.
1984 September 12 - .
05:44 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-0 No. 6 - .
Payload: FSW-0 No. 06. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 5.00 days. Decay Date: 1984-09-29 . USAF Sat Cat: 15279 . COSPAR: 1984-098A. Apogee: 398 km (247 mi). Perigee: 172 km (106 mi). Inclination: 67.90 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Photo surveillance; film capsule recovered 17 September..
1985 October 21 - .
05:04 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-0 No. 7 - .
Payload: FSW-0 No. 07. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 5.00 days. Decay Date: 1985-11-07 . USAF Sat Cat: 16177 . COSPAR: 1985-096A. Apogee: 393 km (244 mi). Perigee: 171 km (106 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Fanhui Shi Weixing photo surveillance satellite; film capsule recovered 26 October..
1986 February 1 - .
12:37 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3.
- STTW 1 - .
Payload: STTW 1. Mass: 1,024 kg (2,257 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-2.
Completed Operations Date: 1990-06-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 16526 . COSPAR: 1986-010A. Apogee: 35,819 km (22,256 mi). Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Inclination: 9.80 deg. Period: 1,436.60 min.
Second successful DFH-2 launch. Also designated STW-2, the satellite was positioned at 103 deg E. In comparison to the first two DFH-2's, a parabolic antenna reflector replaced the horn antenna. Operated in geosynchronous orbit at 103 deg E in 1986-1990. As of 3 September 2001 located at 102.75 deg E drifting at 0.030 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 46.50E drifting at 0.019E degrees per day.
1986 October 6 - .
05:40 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-0 No. 8 - .
Payload: FSW-0 No. 08. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 5.00 days. Decay Date: 1986-10-23 . USAF Sat Cat: 17001 . COSPAR: 1986-076A. Apogee: 337 km (209 mi). Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Inclination: 57.00 deg. Period: 89.60 min. Fanhui Shi Weixing recoverable satellite; capsule re-entered October 11 after five day mission..
1987 August 5 - .
06:39 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-0 No. 9 - .
Payload: FSW-0 No. 09. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 5.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-08-23 . USAF Sat Cat: 18306 . COSPAR: 1987-067A. Apogee: 366 km (227 mi). Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 89.90 min. Fanhui Shi Weixing recoverable satellite; carried microgravity experiments; return capsule recovered August 10 after five days in space..
1987 September 9 - .
07:15 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-1 No. 1 - .
Payload: FSW-1 No. 01. Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1987-10-04 . USAF Sat Cat: 18341 . COSPAR: 1987-075A. Apogee: 222 km (137 mi). Perigee: 181 km (112 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 88.50 min. Fanhui Shi Weixing recoverable satellite; return capsule recovered September 17 after eight days in space..
1988 March 7 - .
12:41 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3.
- Zhongxing 1 - .
Payload: STTW 2 / Chinasat 1. Mass: 1,024 kg (2,257 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: Chinasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-2.
Completed Operations Date: 1997-07-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 18922 . COSPAR: 1988-014A. Apogee: 35,789 km (22,238 mi). Perigee: 35,786 km (22,236 mi). Inclination: 0.50 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. Operated in geosynchronous orbit at 87 deg E in 1988-1997. As of 28 August 2001 located at 87.94 deg E drifting at 0.038 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 64.00E drifting at 0.067E degrees per day..
1988 August 5 - .
07:29 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-1 No. 2 - .
Payload: FSW-1 No. 02. Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 8.00 days. Decay Date: 1988-08-13 . USAF Sat Cat: 19368 . COSPAR: 1988-067A. Apogee: 311 km (193 mi). Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 89.70 min. German crystal growth experiment in recoverable capsule. Results marred by hard landing..
1988 September 6 - .
20:30 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4.
- FY-1A - .
Payload: Feng Yun 1A. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Technology.
Type: Weather technology satellite. Spacecraft: FY-1.
USAF Sat Cat: 19467 . COSPAR: 1988-080A. Apogee: 895 km (556 mi). Perigee: 875 km (543 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 102.70 min. Experimental weather satellite. First use of new launch site and launch vehicle. Failed after 38 days due to problems with attitude control system..
1988 December 22 - .
12:40 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3.
- Zhongxing 2 - .
Payload: STTW 3 / Chinasat 2. Mass: 1,024 kg (2,257 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: Chinasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-2.
USAF Sat Cat: 19710 . COSPAR: 1988-111A. Apogee: 35,791 km (22,239 mi). Perigee: 35,787 km (22,236 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. Operated in geosynchronous orbit at 110 deg E in 1989-1999. As of 27 August 2001 located at 91.92 deg E drifting at 0.244 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 83.40E drifting at 0.283W degrees per day..
1989 - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5.
- Nation: China.
Agency: XPRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1990 February 4 - .
12:28 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3.
1990 April 7 - .
13:30 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3.
- Asiasat 1 - .
Mass: 1,442 kg (3,179 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: Asiasat.
Manufacturer: El Segundo.
Program: Asiasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: HS 376.
USAF Sat Cat: 20558 . COSPAR: 1990-030A. Apogee: 35,789 km (22,238 mi). Perigee: 35,786 km (22,236 mi). Inclination: 2.70 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min.
First commercial Chinese launch; Stationed at 105 deg E; formerly Westar 6 (retrieved by STS-51A and refurbished). Fixed-satellite telecommunication services and transmission of television signals. Operational life about 10 years. Orbital position 105.5E. Owner/operator: Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co, Ltd. 23-24/F, East Exchange Tower, 38-40 Leighton Rd, Hong K ong. Telex 68345 ASAT HX Fax 852 576 4111. Operated in geosynchronous orbit at 105 deg E in 1990-1999; 122 deg E in 1999-2000. As of 3 September 2001 located at 121.97 deg E drifting at 0.009 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 23.96E drifting at 3.706W degrees per day.
1990 July 16 - .
00:40 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2E.
- Badr-A - .
Payload: Badr 1 + R&D. Mass: 52 kg (114 lb). Nation: Pakistan.
Agency: Suparco.
Class: Technology.
Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: Badr.
Decay Date: 1990-12-08 . USAF Sat Cat: 20685 . COSPAR: 1990-059A. Apogee: 988 km (613 mi). Perigee: 208 km (129 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 96.70 min. First launch of new Chinese launch vehicle. Experimental Pakistani payload..
- HS-601 Model - .
Mass: 3,400 kg (7,400 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Spacecraft: HS 601.
COSPAR: 1990-059xx. First launch of new Chinese launch vehicle..
1990 September 3 - .
00:53 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4.
- FY-1B - .
Payload: Feng Yun 1B. Mass: 881 kg (1,942 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Technology.
Type: Weather technology satellite. Spacecraft: FY-1.
USAF Sat Cat: 20788 . COSPAR: 1990-081A. Apogee: 897 km (557 mi). Perigee: 875 km (543 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 102.70 min. Experimental weather satellite. Operated for over a year..
- QQW 2 - .
Payload: QQW 1B. Mass: 4.00 kg (8.80 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Earth.
Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: SJ.
Decay Date: 1991-07-24 . USAF Sat Cat: 20790 . COSPAR: 1990-081C. Apogee: 629 km (390 mi). Perigee: 596 km (370 mi). Inclination: 99.00 deg. Period: 97.00 min. QQW atmospheric balloon..
- QQW 1 - .
Payload: QQW 1A. Mass: 4.00 kg (8.80 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Earth.
Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: SJ.
Decay Date: 1991-03-11 . USAF Sat Cat: 20789 . COSPAR: 1990-081B. Apogee: 811 km (503 mi). Perigee: 789 km (490 mi). Inclination: 99.00 deg. Period: 100.90 min. QQW atmospheric balloon..
1990 October 5 - .
06:14 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-1 No. 3 - .
Payload: FSW-1 No. 03. Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Decay Date: 1990-10-23 . USAF Sat Cat: 20838 . COSPAR: 1990-089A. Apogee: 312 km (193 mi). Perigee: 208 km (129 mi). Inclination: 57.00 deg. Period: 89.70 min. Fanhui Shi Weixing recoverable satellite; carried biological research experiments..
1991 December 28 - .
12:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3.
FAILURE: Third stage failed to ignite. Partial Failure..
Failed Stage: U.
- Zhongxing-4 - .
Payload: STTW 5. Mass: 1,025 kg (2,259 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: Chinasat.
Program: Chinasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-2.
USAF Sat Cat: 21833 . COSPAR: 1991-088A. Apogee: 34,041 km (21,152 mi). Perigee: 2,023 km (1,257 mi). Inclination: 32.30 deg. Period: 632.60 min. Third stage failure; unusable orbit. DFH-2 operational communications satellite..
1992 August 9 - .
08:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- FSW-2 No. 1 - .
Payload: FSW-2 No. 01. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 15.00 days. Decay Date: 1992-09-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 22072 . COSPAR: 1992-051A. Apogee: 332 km (206 mi). Perigee: 171 km (106 mi). Inclination: 63.10 deg. Period: 89.50 min. Fanhui Shi Weixing recoverable imaging satellite; carried microgravity experiments; capsule returned August 25 after 15 days in orbit..
1992 August 13 - .
23:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2E.
1992 October 6 - .
06:20 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Freja - .
Payload: FSW-1 4 / Freja. Mass: 259 kg (570 lb). Nation: Sweden.
Agency: SSC.
Class: Earth.
Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: Freja.
USAF Sat Cat: 22161 . COSPAR: 1992-064A. Apogee: 1,763 km (1,095 mi). Perigee: 590 km (360 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 108.90 min.
Ionospheric, auroral, amgnetospheric studies. Freja is a Swedish/German satellite designed for research into the aurora. The satellite was launched piggyback on a Long March 2C (CZ-2C) rocket and weighs 214 kg in orbit. It is a sun-pointing spinner (10 rpm) with a 2.2 m diameter. It will make high re solution measurements in the upper ionosphere and lower magnetosphere. Data will be received at Esrange, Kiruna, Sweden and at the Prince Albert Satellite Station in Canada's Saskatchewan Province. Launch time 0620 UT.
- FSW-1 No. 4 - .
Payload: FSW-1 No. 04. Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: MAI.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 6.00 days. Decay Date: 1992-10-31 . USAF Sat Cat: 22162 . COSPAR: 1992-064B. Apogee: 309 km (192 mi). Perigee: 213 km (132 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 89.70 min. Fanhui Shi Weixing recoverable imaging satellite; carried remote sensing, microgravity experiments; capsule recovered October 13 after 6 days in orbit..
1992 December 21 - .
11:21 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2E.
FAILURE: Shortcomings in the guidance system lead to the vehicle not anticipating the true effects of horizontal wind-shear once the mountains surrounding the launch site were cleared. This caused the nose fairing to collapse 45 seconds after launch..
Failed Stage: G.
- Aussat B2 / Optus B2 - .
Payload: Optus B2 / Star 63F. Mass: 2,760 kg (6,080 lb). Nation: Australia.
Agency: Hughes.
Program: Aussat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: HS 601.
Decay Date: 1995-06-29 . USAF Sat Cat: 22278 . COSPAR: 1992-090A. Apogee: 816 km (507 mi). Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Inclination: 28.10 deg. Period: 94.90 min. Despite collapse of the nose fairing and near-desctruction of the payload, the launch vehicle continued on to place the wreckage of Optus-B2, and the Star-63F Kick-Motor into low earth orbit..
1993 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5A.
- Nation: China.
Agency: XPRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1993 October 8 - .
08:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-1 No. 5 - .
Payload: Jian Bing 93. Mass: 2,099 kg (4,627 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Decay Date: 1993-10-28 . USAF Sat Cat: 22859 . COSPAR: 1993-063A. Apogee: 2,860 km (1,770 mi). Perigee: 181 km (112 mi). Inclination: 56.60 deg. Period: 116.50 min.
The only FSW-1 mission conducted during 1993-1994 was launched into an orbit of 209 km by 300 km at an inclination of 57.0 deg. In addition to an Earth observation Payload, FSW-1 5 carried microgravity research equipment and a diamond-studded medallion commemorating the 100th anniversary of Chairman Mao Tse-Tung's birth. The spacecraft operated normally until 16 October when an attempt to recover the satellite failed. An attitude control system failure aligned the spacecraft 90 deg from its desired position, causing the re-entry capsule to be pushed into a higher elliptical orbit (179 km by 3031 km) instead of returning to Earth. Natural decay did not bring the capsule back until March 12, 1996.
1994 February 8 - .
08:34 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- SJ-4 - .
Payload: Shi Jian 4. Mass: 400 kg (880 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Class: Earth.
Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: SJ.
USAF Sat Cat: 22996 . COSPAR: 1994-010A. Apogee: 26,837 km (16,675 mi). Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Inclination: 28.70 deg. Period: 465.40 min. Particles and fields research. .
- KF-1 - .
Payload: Kua Fu 1 / DFH-3 mockup. Mass: 2,200 kg (4,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Program: Chinastar.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
Decay Date: 2002-02-07 . USAF Sat Cat: 23009 . COSPAR: 1994-010B. Apogee: 36,046 km (22,397 mi). Perigee: 178 km (110 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Period: 635.69 min. Mass model of DFH-3 satellite..
1994 July 3 - .
08:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
Launch Pad: LA2B?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- FSW-2 No. 2 - .
Payload: FSW-2 No. 02. Mass: 2,600 kg (5,700 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 15.00 days. Decay Date: 1994-09-13 . USAF Sat Cat: 23145 . COSPAR: 1994-037A. Apogee: 350 km (210 mi). Perigee: 207 km (128 mi). Inclination: 62.90 deg. Period: 90.08 min.
The second Fanhui Shi Weixing FSW-2 was launched on 3 July 1994 into an orbit of 173 km by 343 km at an inclination of 63.0 deg. The spacecraft remained in orbit for 15 days, making four small manoeuvres before successfully returning to Earth. The payload included Earth observation systems, a biological experiment, and microgravity research instruments. The retrievable capsule was recovered in China on July 18
1994 July 21 - .
10:55 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3.
- Apstar 1 - .
Mass: 1,383 kg (3,048 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: APT Satellite Company.
Program: Apstar.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: HS 376.
USAF Sat Cat: 23185 . COSPAR: 1994-043A. Apogee: 35,789 km (22,238 mi). Perigee: 35,785 km (22,235 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.12 min. Asia-Pacific communications. Operated in geosynchronous orbit at 138 deg E in 1994-1999. As of 5 September 2001 located at 138.04 deg E drifting at 0.004 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 141.96E drifting at 0.002W degrees per day..
1994 August 27 - .
23:10 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2E.
1994 November 29 - .
17:02 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Zhongxing 5 - .
Payload: Chinasat 5. Mass: 2,230 kg (4,910 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: Chinasat.
Program: Chinasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
Completed Operations Date: 1994-12-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 23415 . COSPAR: 1994-080A. Apogee: 35,957 km (22,342 mi). Perigee: 35,225 km (21,887 mi). Inclination: 0.15 deg. Period: 1,426.15 min.
The first test launch of a DFH-3 by a CZ-3A launch vehicle was successful in attaining the proper transfer orbit, but during the subsequent manoeuvres to achieve geostationary orbit, the DFH-3 failed due to a malfunction of the satellite on-board propulsion system. The satellite was positioned at 132 deg E prior to the failure. As of 4 September 2001 located at 113.80 deg E drifting at 2.499 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 2 located at 90.02E drifting at 2.513E degrees per day.
1995 - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5A.
- Nation: China.
Agency: XPRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1995 January 25 - .
22:40 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2E.
FAILURE: Shortcomings in the guidance system lead to the vehicle not anticipating the true effects of horizontal wind-shear once the mountains surrounding the launch site were cleared. This caused the nose fairing to collapse and the spacecraft to be destroyed..
Failed Stage: G.
- Apstar 2 - .
Mass: 2,830 kg (6,230 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: PRC.
Program: Apstar.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: HS 601.
Decay Date: 1995-01-25 .
Because the Apstar failure happened a few seconds later than Optus, the consequences were catastrophic. The vehicle was destroyed, and the falling wreckage landed on a village down-range of the launch site, killing at least 20 and perhaps as many as 120 people.
1995 November 28 - .
11:30 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2E.
1995 December 28 - .
11:50 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2E.
1996 February 14 - .
19:01 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
FAILURE: Guidance failure resulted in launch vehicle crashing 22 seconds after launch, killing or injuring 59 people..
Failed Stage: G.
- Intelsat 708 - .
Mass: 4,180 kg (9,210 lb). Nation: International.
Agency: PRC.
Program: Intelsat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: FS-1300.
First attempted launch of a new version in the Long March family. Began to experience an anomaly in attitude about 2 seconds after launch, pitching down and yawing to the right. It augured in nose down at T+22 seconds and exploded violently, utterly destroying the launcher and its payload. The Chief-Designer of the launch vehicle organised an analysis team on the same day of the accident. Interpretation and analysis of the telemetered data indicated that the crash was caused by a change in the inertial reference. The explosion killed six and injured 57. Two of the killed were senior engineers with CASC.
1996 July 3 - .
10:47 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3.
- Apstar 1A - .
Mass: 2,800 kg (6,100 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: APT Satellite Company.
Program: Apstar.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: HS 376.
USAF Sat Cat: 23943 . COSPAR: 1996-039A. Apogee: 35,791 km (22,239 mi). Perigee: 35,785 km (22,235 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. 24 C-band transponders; Operated in geosynchronous orbit at 134 deg E in 1996-1999. As of 6 September 2001 located at 134.02 deg E drifting at 0.013 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 129.99E drifting at 0.007E degrees per day..
1996 August 18 - .
10:27 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3.
- Zhongxing 7 - .
Payload: Zhongxing 7. Mass: 2,800 kg (6,100 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: Chinasat.
Program: Chinasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: HS 376.
USAF Sat Cat: 24282 . COSPAR: 1996-048A. Apogee: 46,499 km (28,893 mi). Perigee: 21,674 km (13,467 mi). Inclination: 26.30 deg. Period: 1,350.20 min.
1996 October 20 - .
07:20 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan LA2B.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- FSW-2 No. 3 - .
Payload: FSW-2 No. 03. Mass: 2,600 kg (5,700 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 15.00 days. Decay Date: 1996-12-03 . USAF Sat Cat: 24634 . COSPAR: 1996-059A. Apogee: 133 km (82 mi). Perigee: 121 km (75 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 87.00 min. Final launch in the FSW series. Landed in China on November 4 after 15 days in orbit..
1997 - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5A.
- Nation: China.
Agency: XPRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
1997 May 11 - .
16:17 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Zhongxing 6 - .
Payload: Chinasat 6. Mass: 2,200 kg (4,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: Chinasat.
Program: Chinasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 24798 . COSPAR: 1997-021A. Apogee: 35,797 km (22,243 mi). Perigee: 35,776 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.
The telecommunications satellite, the most sophisticated and complex satellite ever built in China, was equipped with 24 transponders used for television, digital transmission and other telecommunications services. It had a design life eight years. After over one year of tests the satellite was delivered to the end user, China Telecommunications Broadcast Satellite Corporation (Chinasat) on August 12 1998. A long term operation contract for the redesignated Chinasat-6 was signed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), Chinasat and the Xian Satellite Control Center. Chinasat-6 operated in geosynchronous orbit at 125 deg E in 1997-1999. As of 5 September 2001 located at 124.99 deg E drifting at 0.011 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 6 located at 123.93E drifting at 0.104W degrees per day.
1997 June 10 - .
12:01 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3.
1997 August 19 - .
17:50 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Agila 2 - .
Payload: Mabuhay. Mass: 2,820 kg (6,210 lb). Nation: Philippines.
Agency: MPSC.
Manufacturer: Palo Alto.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: FS-1300.
USAF Sat Cat: 24901 . COSPAR: 1997-042A. Apogee: 35,803 km (22,246 mi). Perigee: 35,771 km (22,227 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 146.0E Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 146 deg E in 1997-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 145.99 deg E drifting at 0.009 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 145.98E drifting at 0.017W degrees per day..
1997 September 1 - .
14:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD.
- Iridium - .
Payload: Iridium s/n MFS 1. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
USAF Sat Cat: 24925 . COSPAR: 1997-048A. Apogee: 633 km (393 mi). Perigee: 620 km (380 mi). Inclination: 86.34 deg. Period: 97.25 min. Plane 5. Ascending node 271.9 degrees. Dummy satellite..
- Iridium - .
Payload: Iridium s/n MFS 2. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
USAF Sat Cat: 24926 . COSPAR: 1997-048B. Apogee: 634 km (393 mi). Perigee: 620 km (380 mi). Inclination: 86.34 deg. Period: 97.26 min. Plane 5. Ascending node 272 degrees. Dummy satellite..
1997 October 16 - .
19:13 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Apstar 2R - .
Mass: 3,700 kg (8,100 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: APT Satellite Company.
Manufacturer: Palo Alto.
Program: Apstar.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: FS-1300.
USAF Sat Cat: 25010 . COSPAR: 1997-062A. Apogee: 35,798 km (22,243 mi). Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Geosynchronous. Stationed over 76.5E Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 76 deg E in 1997-1999 As of 5 September 2001 located at 76.48 deg E drifting at 0.001 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 76.46E drifting at 0.002W degrees per day..
1997 December 8 - .
07:16 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD.
- Iridium 42 - .
Payload: Iridium s/n SV042. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
USAF Sat Cat: 25077 . COSPAR: 1997-077A. Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. Plane 6. Ascending node 325.8 degrees..
- Iridium 44 - .
Payload: Iridium s/n SV044. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
USAF Sat Cat: 25078 . COSPAR: 1997-077B. Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Perigee: 774 km (480 mi). Inclination: 86.39 deg. Period: 100.40 min. Plane 6. Ascending node 325.8 degrees. Not in service..
1998 March 25 - .
17:01 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD.
- Iridium 51 - .
Payload: Iridium s/n SV051. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
USAF Sat Cat: 25262 . COSPAR: 1998-018A. Apogee: 756 km (469 mi). Perigee: 751 km (466 mi). Inclination: 86.45 deg. Period: 99.90 min. Plane 4. Ascending node 262.5 degrees. Not in service..
- Iridium 61 - .
Payload: Iridium s/n SV061. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
USAF Sat Cat: 25263 . COSPAR: 1998-018B. Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. Plane 4. Ascending node 262.5 degrees..
1998 May 2 - .
09:16 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD.
- Iridium 69 - .
Payload: Iridium s/n SV069. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
USAF Sat Cat: 25319 . COSPAR: 1998-026A. Apogee: 783 km (486 mi). Perigee: 777 km (482 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.46 min. Plane 2. Ascending node 199.4 degrees. Not in service..
- Iridium 71 - .
Payload: Iridium s/n SV071. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
USAF Sat Cat: 25320 . COSPAR: 1998-026B. Apogee: 778 km (483 mi). Perigee: 775 km (481 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. Plane 2. Ascending node 199.3 degrees. Not in service..
1998 May 30 - .
10:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Zhongwei 1 - .
Payload: A2100A. Mass: 2,984 kg (6,578 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: Chinasat.
Manufacturer: Lockheed.
Program: Chinastar.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: AS 2100.
USAF Sat Cat: 25354 . COSPAR: 1998-033A. Apogee: 35,798 km (22,243 mi). Perigee: 35,777 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.
Also known as Chinastar 1; comsat to serve China, India, Korea and Southeast Asia with 18 C-band and 20 Ku-band transponders. Operated by the China Orient Telecommunications Satellite Company, part of the Chinese telecommunications ministry. Zhongwei 1 and the CZ-3B's final liquid hydrogen upper stage were placed in an initial supersynchronous 216 x 85,035 km x 24.4 deg transfer orbit. Geostationary at 87.6 degrees E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 87 deg E in 1998-1999 As of 6 September 2001 located at 87.49 deg E drifting at 0.013 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 87.64E drifting at 0.010W degrees per day.
1998 July 18 - .
09:20 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Sinosat - .
Payload: Spacebus 3000A. Mass: 2,820 kg (6,210 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: Eurasspa.
Manufacturer: Cannes.
Program: Sinosat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: Spacebus 3000 .
USAF Sat Cat: 25404 . COSPAR: 1998-044A. Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.
The CZ-3B's liquid hydrogen upper stage and the Sinosat were placed in a 609 x 35958 km x 19.0 deg geostationary transfer orbit at 09:45 GMT. The first two liquid apogee burns were carried out on July 19 and 21. Sinosat, an Alcatel Spacebus 3000, was built in Cannes and owned temporarily by EurasSpace, a joint venture between Daimler-Benz Aerospace and the China Aerospace Corporation. After on-orbit testing it was delivered to the Sino Satellite Communications Company of Shanghai for communications services in China. The satellite carried 24 C-band transponders and 14 Ku-band transponders which covered the entire Asia-Pacific region. With a design life span of 15 years, the satellite was to provide multiple data transfer services for China's financial and air transportation control systems, as well as the Shanghai Information Port project, Sinosat operated in geosynchronous orbit at 110.5 deg E in 1998-1999. As of 5 September 2001 located at 110.55 deg E drifting at 0.012 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 110.51E drifting at 0.001W degrees per day.
1998 August 19 - .
23:01 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD.
- Iridium 3 - .
Payload: Iridium s/n SV078. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
Decay Date: 2018-02-08 . USAF Sat Cat: 25431 . COSPAR: 1998-048A. Apogee: 779 km (484 mi). Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. Plane 2. Ascending node 199.4 degrees..
- Iridium 76 - .
Payload: Iridium s/n SV076. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
Decay Date: 2018-08-28 . USAF Sat Cat: 25432 . COSPAR: 1998-048B. Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. Plane 2. Ascending node 199.4 degrees..
1998 December 19 - .
11:39 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD.
- Iridium 11 - .
Payload: Iridium s/n SV088?. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
Decay Date: 2018-10-22 . USAF Sat Cat: 25577 . COSPAR: 1998-074A. Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Perigee: 776 km (482 mi). Inclination: 86.40 deg. Period: 100.40 min. Plane 2. Ascending node 197 degrees. Parking orbit..
- Iridium 20 - .
Payload: Iridium s/n SV089?. Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
Decay Date: 2018-10-22 . USAF Sat Cat: 25578 . COSPAR: 1998-074B. Apogee: 710 km (440 mi). Perigee: 709 km (440 mi). Inclination: 86.50 deg. Period: 99.00 min. Plane 2. Ascending node 197.2 degrees. Parking orbit..
1999 March 11 - .
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- Chinese Man-Rated Launch Vehicle Test Predicted - .
Nation: China.
Spacecraft: Shenzhou.
It was reported on the Internet that the maiden flight of a new version of the CZ-2E designed to carry a manned vehicle would be made by mid-1999..
1999 May 1 - .
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- Manned Program Delayed - .
Nation: China.
Spacecraft: Shenzhou.
Far eastern newspapers reported an accident at Jiuquan Launch Center late May 1999. It was said that a fuel depot exploded, resulting in casualties and delaying the first manned vehicle launch originally scheduled for October..
1999 May 10 - .
01:33 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- FY-1C - .
Payload: Feng Yun 1C. Mass: 900 kg (1,980 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Manufacturer: Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering.
Class: Earth.
Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: FY-1.
USAF Sat Cat: 25730 . COSPAR: 1999-025A. Apogee: 880 km (540 mi). Perigee: 846 km (525 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 102.20 min. Operational weather satellite. First launch of stretched CZ-4B booster. After retirement the satellite was destroyed in the first test of the Chinese ASAT weapon on 11 January 2007..
- SJ-5 - .
Payload: Shi Jian 5. Mass: 500 kg (1,100 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Manufacturer: Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering.
Class: Earth.
Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 25731 . COSPAR: 1999-025B. Apogee: 865 km (537 mi). Perigee: 841 km (522 mi). Inclination: 98.90 deg. Period: 102.00 min. Research satellite carried as a secondary payload to study the radiation belts..
1999 June 9 - .
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
1999 June 11 - .
17:15 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD.
- Iridium 14A - .
Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
USAF Sat Cat: 25777 . COSPAR: 1999-032A. Apogee: 711 km (441 mi). Perigee: 708 km (439 mi). Inclination: 86.50 deg. Period: 99.00 min.
- Iridium 21A - .
Mass: 689 kg (1,518 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Iridium.
Manufacturer: Lockheed,
Motorola.
Program: Iridium.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: LM 700.
Decay Date: 2018-05-24 . USAF Sat Cat: 25778 . COSPAR: 1999-032B. Apogee: 711 km (441 mi). Perigee: 708 km (439 mi). Inclination: 86.50 deg. Period: 99.00 min.
1999 August 15 - .
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- China Upgrades Launch Facilities - .
Nation: China.
Tang Xianming, Director of the Xichang Launch Center, confirmed the construction of a new Vertical Assembly Facility at the Jiuquan Launch Center. He also affirmed that China would continue to use the Xichang Launch Center, which would be upgraded with improved data processing and control equipment.
1999 October 14 - .
03:15 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- CBERS-1 ZY-1 FM1 - .
Payload: Zi Yuan 1. Mass: 1,450 kg (3,190 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Manufacturer: CAST,
INP.
Class: Earth.
Type: Earth resources satellite. Spacecraft: Phoenix Eye.
USAF Sat Cat: 25940 . COSPAR: 1999-057A. Apogee: 780 km (480 mi). Perigee: 773 km (480 mi). Inclination: 98.20 deg. Period: 100.40 min.
China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite. China's first earth resources satellite, known as ZY-1, weighed 1,540 kilograms. Chief designer was Chen Yiyuan. The satellite, a joint project of China and Brazil, was designed to gather information on the environment, agriculture and urban planning through remote sensing images and data transmitted to China, Brazil and other countries. Planned lifetime was two years. The satellite circled the Earth 14 times a day and the groundtrack repeated after 26 days. By 23 February 2000 it had taken more than 20,000 high quality images. It was formally handed over for operational use on March 2 2000. The High Resolution CCD Camera had a resolution of 20 meters in the visible spectrum. The camera could point up to 32 degrees to either side of vertical, imaging the earth's surface stereoscopically. After 177 days the Wide Field Imager failed in early May 2000. Other devices, including the high resolution CCD camera, continue to work normally.
- SACI 1 - .
Nation: Brazil.
Agency: SISE.
Manufacturer: INPE.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: SACI.
USAF Sat Cat: 25941 . COSPAR: 1999-057B. Apogee: 731 km (454 mi). Perigee: 719 km (446 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 99.30 min. INPE experimental scientific satellite with a magnetometer, particle detectors and an atmospheric experiment. INPE reportedly lost contact with the satellite in mid-October..
1999 November 19 - .
22:30 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- Shenzhou - .
Mass: 7,600 kg (16,700 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Manufacturer: CALT.
Class: Manned.
Type: Manned spacecraft. Spacecraft: Shenzhou.
Duration: 0.88 days. Decay Date: 1999-11-20 . USAF Sat Cat: 25956 . COSPAR: 1999-061A. Apogee: 315 km (195 mi). Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Inclination: 42.60 deg. Period: 89.60 min.
The unmanned first test flight of a prototype of the Chinese Project 921-1 spacecraft took place 49 days after the planned date of October 1, 1999. Shenzhou separated from its launch vehicle and went into orbit about ten minutes after lift-off. The spacecraft was controlled from the new Beijing Aerospace Directing and Controlling Centre. The spacecraft did not manoeuvre during the flight. The first attempt to return the spacecraft to earth came on orbitt 12, but the retrofire command would not be accepted by the spacecraft's computer. A retry on the next orbit also failed.
The Yuanwang-3 tracking ship off the coast of Namibia picked up the spacecraft's signal at 18:49 UT, and commanded retro-fire. This time the spacecraft accepted the command, which probably saved the entire program. The spacecraft passed out of range of the tracking ship nine minutes later. Its trajectory arced over Africa, skimmed the coast of the Arabian peninsula, and then over Pakistan, before re-entering over Tibet.
Following re-entry, the drogue chute deployed at an altitude of 30 km with the capsules soft-landing rockets firing 1.5 m above the ground. The capsule landed at 41 deg N, 105 deg E, (415 km East of its launch pad and 110 km north-west of Wuhai, Inner Mongolia), at November 20 19:41 UT. The spacecraft had completed 14 orbits of the earth in 21 hours and 11 minutes.
After the flight it was reported that not a single primary spacecraft system had failed, so none of the back-up systems were tested. The touchdown point was only 12 km from the predicted position. The soft landing braking rocket worked well - no damage was found to the capsule structure, heat shield or the seals. The jettisoned heat shield, parachute hatch, and drogue chute were found within 5 km of the landing point. The orbital module, which separated prior to retro-fire, continued in controlled flight until 27 November, when it decayed and reentered the atmosphere. A primary payload returned by Shenzhou were 100 kg of seeds, considered valuable to the Chinese after one day of exposure to the space environment. The Chinese space tracking fleet returned from the Shenzhou mission between 12 December 1999 and 4 January 2000. During their 259-day voyage, the four ships traveled 185,000 km and experienced some heavy seas while tracking and communicating with the Shenzhou for a total of 150 minutes. Additional Details: here....
2000 January 25 - .
16:45 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
2000 June 25 - .
11:50 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3.
- FY-2 - .
Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Manufacturer: Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering.
Class: Earth.
Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: FY-2.
USAF Sat Cat: 26382 . COSPAR: 2000-032A. Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Perigee: 35,786 km (22,236 mi). Inclination: 0.80 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min.
Second Fengyun-2 weather satellite, replacing the first FY-2 (retired in April after a three year service life). The spin-stabilised FY-2 fired its solid apogee motor early on Jun 26. By July 3, it was in a 35,791 x 35,804 km x 1.1 deg orbit drifting over the Pacific. Stationed at 104 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 110 deg E in 2000. As of 5 September 2001 located at 104.56 deg E drifting at 0.030 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 34.70W drifting at 0.629W degrees per day.
2000 September 1 - .
03:25 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- ZY-2C - .
Payload: Zi Yuan 2. Mass: 2,600 kg (5,700 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Manufacturer: CAST.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-3.
Decay Date: 2016-03-11 . USAF Sat Cat: 26481 . COSPAR: 2000-050A. Apogee: 501 km (311 mi). Perigee: 489 km (303 mi). Inclination: 97.40 deg. Period: 94.43 min.
The ZY-2 (Ziyuan-2 ('Resource-2'), while disguised as a civilian earth monitoring system, was actually code-named Jianbing-3 and was China's first high-resolution military imaging satellite. The cover story of the official Xinhua news agency was that the civilian remote sensing system would be used primarily in territorial surveying, city planning, crop yield assessment, disaster monitoring and space science experimentation. However the satellite was placed at a much lower altitude than the ZY-1 satellite and US intelligence sources indicated that it was a photo-reconnaissance satellite for exclusively military purposes, such as targeting missiles at US and Taiwanese forces. The new satellite was believed to employ digital-imaging technology and to have a resolution of 2 m or less. The satellite was designed and built by the Chinese Academy of Space Technology and was developed indigenously. It was said to be more advanced than earlier sensing satellites and was expected to have an orbital life of two years. The camera provided more than three times the resolution of the ZY-1 earth resources satellite. The Zi Yuan 2 satellite may have used the CBERS Sino-Brazilian bus of the earlier ZY-1. However it was also said to be of new design and demonstrated the capability to maneuver in orbit, adjusting its orbit after launch. In October 2000 Chinese scientists denied that the ZY-2 satellite had a military mission. It was said to be a remote-sensing satellite equipped with CCD cameras and an infrared multispectral scanner that could only identify objects on the ground with a resolution of several dozen meters to 1 km.
2000 October 30 - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Beidou 1A - .
Mass: 2,200 kg (4,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CNSA.
Manufacturer: CAST.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 26599 . COSPAR: 2000-069A. Apogee: 35,805 km (22,248 mi). Perigee: 35,774 km (22,228 mi). Inclination: 2.60 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min.
China's first navigation satellite, developed by CAST/Beijing. The satellite, the first in the Beidou-1 constellation, was placed in an initial 195 x 41889 km x 25.0 deg orbit geostationary transfer orbit before entering its final geosynchornous orbit at around 05:00 GMT on November 6. Stationed at 140 deg E, still maintaining its position within 0.1 deg as of 2007. No longer in use as of 2009.
2000 December 20 - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Beidou 1B - .
Mass: 2,200 kg (4,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CNSA.
Manufacturer: CAST.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 26643 . COSPAR: 2000-082A. Apogee: 35,821 km (22,258 mi). Perigee: 35,753 km (22,215 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.
Second Beidou-1 geosynchronous navigation satellite. The CZ-3A rocket's third stage put Beidou in geostationary transfer orbit at around 16:42 GMT. The Beidou satellite was based on the DFH-3 comsat and had a mass of around 2200 kg including its FY-25 solid apogee motor. On December 25 Beidou was in a 190 x 41870 km x 25.0 deg transfer orbit. The launch of this second Beidou completed the prototype two-satellite navigational system which was to provide positional information for highway, railway and marine transportation. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 80 deg E, still maintaining its position within 0.1 deg as of 2007. Retired after launch of the Beidou-2 geosynchronous satellites in 2010.
2001 January 9 - .
17:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- Shenzhou 2 - .
Mass: 7,400 kg (16,300 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Manufacturer: CALT.
Class: Manned.
Type: Manned spacecraft. Spacecraft: Shenzhou.
Duration: 6.77 days. Decay Date: 2001-01-16 . USAF Sat Cat: 26664 . COSPAR: 2001-001A. Apogee: 345 km (214 mi). Perigee: 330 km (200 mi). Inclination: 42.60 deg. Period: 91.30 min.
The second unmanned test flight of the Shenzhou manned spacecraft design carried a monkey, a dog and a rabbit in a test of the spaceship's life support systems. Shenzhou 2 was the first test of an all-up flight model of the spacecraft, with a functioning orbital module. It was also the most ambitious space science laboratory ever launched by China. It carried 64 scientific payloads: 15 in the re-entry module, 12 in the orbital module and 37 on the forward external pallet. These included a micro-gravity crystal growing device; life sciences experiments with 19 species of animals and plants, cosmic ray and particle detectors; and China's first gamma ray burst detectors.
The launch was originally scheduled for January 5, but the second stage of the launch vehicle was dented by an access platform while being prepared for roll-out in the vehicle assembly building. This caused several days of delay until it was cleared for flight. Shenzhou 2 made three orbit-raising manoeuvres during its flight, reaching a 330 x 345 km orbit by the end of the initial phase of the mission. Ninety minutes before landing the orbital module depressurised, and the spacecraft went briefly out of control. However this was regained after venting of the atmosphere from the module ended. The descent module and service modules separated from the forward orbital module and external pallet normally. After retrofire by the service module, it separated and the descent module landed at 11:22 GMT on January 16 in Inner Mongolia. Lack of post-recovery photographs led to speculation that the recovery may not have been completely successful. The Shenzhou orbital module had its own solar panels and remained operational in orbit, conducting scientific experiments. It was actively controlled for six months, maneuvering in orbit several times (reaching a final orbit of 394 x 405 km). It then was allowed to decay and reentered the atmosphere at 09:05 GMT on August 24, 2001. The reentry point was near 33.1 deg S in latitude and 260.4 deg E in longitude, over the western Pacific Ocean between Easter Island and Chile.
2002 March 25 - .
14:15 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- Shenzhou 3 - .
Mass: 7,800 kg (17,100 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CAS.
Manufacturer: CALT.
Class: Manned.
Type: Manned spacecraft. Spacecraft: Shenzhou.
Duration: 6.78 days. Decay Date: 2002-04-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 27397 . COSPAR: 2002-014A. Apogee: 379 km (235 mi). Perigee: 374 km (232 mi). Inclination: 42.40 deg. Period: 92.10 min.
The third unmanned test of the Shenzhou spacecraft was delayed almost three months when a defective connector was found on the booster after roll-out to the pad in January 2002. The vehicle was disassembled, and all suspect connectors were replaced. The stand-down also revealed ten previously undetected defects in the space capsule. The spacecraft, the first all-up flight model with a functioning (but deactivated) launch escape system, was finally launched and placed into an initial 197 x 326 km x 42.4 deg orbit at 1425 UTC. At about 2120 UTC Shenzhou used its own engine to raise its orbit to 332 x 337 km. The capsule included a dummy astronaut instrumented to monitor life support systems. The descent module returned to Earth on April 1 at 0851 UTC, landing in Inner Mongolia. The orbital module remained in orbit to carry out further experiments, finally being deorbited on 12 November 2002. The spacecraft carried 44 scientific payloads, including a medium-resolution imaging radiometer developed by Chinese Academy of Sciences, installed on the instrument pallet atop the orbital module.
2002 May 15 - .
01:50 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- FY-1D - .
Mass: 960 kg (2,110 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Class: Earth.
Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: FY-1.
USAF Sat Cat: 27431 . COSPAR: 2002-024B. Apogee: 873 km (542 mi). Perigee: 850 km (520 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 102.20 min.
The second stage separated six minutes after launch, putting the stack on a suborbital trajectory. After a brief coast up to 860 km the third stage fired at around 0200 UTC to circularize the orbit. FY-1D, a 950 kg weather satellite with a 10-channel radiometer, separated from the stack followed by a small adapter. The final stage was left in a slightly lower 812 x 883 km orbit.
2002 October 27 - .
03:17 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- ZY-2B - .
Payload: Zi Yuan 2-2. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CAST.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-3.
Decay Date: 2015-01-22 . USAF Sat Cat: 27550 . COSPAR: 2002-049A. Apogee: 483 km (300 mi). Perigee: 470 km (290 mi). Inclination: 97.40 deg. Period: 94.10 min.
JB-3 2 was nominally a Chinese (PRC) remote sensing satellite, although US intelligence sources indicated it had primarily an intelligence imaging mission. JB-3 2 was the name adopted by the USSPACECOM. Most news reports from China and elsewhere use different names: ZY-2B (acronym for ZiYuan-2B, translated as Resource-2B), and Zhong Guo Zi Yuan Er Hao, translated as China Resource 2. No information was available on the instruments onboard the JB-3 2, but officially it was intended 'for territorial survey, environment monitoring and protection, urban planning, crop yield assessment, disaster monitoring, and space scientific experiments'. The initial orbital parameters of this sun-synchronous satellite were period 94.1 min, apogee 483 km, perigee 470 km, and inclination 97.4°.
2002 December 29 - .
16:49 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- Shenzhou 4 - .
Mass: 7,794 kg (17,182 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CAS.
Manufacturer: CALT.
Class: Manned.
Type: Manned spacecraft. Spacecraft: Shenzhou.
Duration: 6.77 days. Decay Date: 2003-01-05 . USAF Sat Cat: 27630 . COSPAR: 2002-061A. Apogee: 337 km (209 mi). Perigee: 331 km (205 mi). Inclination: 42.40 deg. Period: 91.20 min.
Final unmanned test of the Shenzhou spacecraft. First night launch of the CZ-2F was viewed by Party leaders on a very cold but clear night. The spacecraft carried fifty-two science payloads in four main areas: microwave Earth observation, space environment monitoring, microgravity fluid physics, and biological technology research. The spacecraft's reentry capsule was successfully recovered on 5 January 2003 at 1116 UT. The Chinese released the news and photographs of the capsule in the dusk snow only an hour later. The landing site was 40 km from Hohhot (40.51deg N, 111.38 deg E). As in prior missions, the orbital module continued in orbit. Chinese astronauts trained on the actual flight hardware before the launch and it was officially announced that this successful mission set the stage for a first Chinese manned spaceflight in the second half of 2003. Western observors noted that the orbit and ground track allowed launch of a second rendezvous vehicle, an indication of future manned space station missions. Shenzhou 4 carried 52 scientific payloads including a microwave radiometer using a reflector antenna, installed on top of the orbital module.
2003 May 24 - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Beidou 2A - .
Mass: 2,200 kg (4,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 27813 . COSPAR: 2003-021A. Apogee: 35,836 km (22,267 mi). Perigee: 35,760 km (22,220 mi). Inclination: 0.30 deg. Period: 1,436.70 min.
Navigation satellite, joined Beidou 1A and 1B launched in December 2000. This third satellite was considered a back-up element, Positioned at 110 deg E, still maintaining its position within 0.1 deg as of 2007. Retired after launch of the Beidou-2 geosynchronous satellites in 2010.
2003 October 15 - .
01:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- Shenzhou 5 - .
Crew: Yang Liwei.
Backup Crew: Zhai Zhigang.
Support Crew: Nie Haisheng.
Mass: 7,840 kg (17,280 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: PLAAF.
Manufacturer: CALT.
Class: Manned.
Type: Manned spacecraft. Flight: Shenzhou 5.
Spacecraft: Shenzhou.
Duration: 0.89 days. Decay Date: 2003-10-16 . USAF Sat Cat: 28043 . COSPAR: 2003-045A. Apogee: 336 km (208 mi). Perigee: 332 km (206 mi). Inclination: 42.42 deg. Period: 91.20 min.
China's first manned spaceflight began with the lift-off of the CZ-2F booster into the clear blue morning sky. All went according to plan and China's first man in space, Yang Liwei, entered an initial 200 km x 343 km orbit ten minutes after launch. The naval vessels standing buy for rescue in the Sea of Japan were called back to port.
The highly conservative mission plan was for Yang to remain in the Shenzhou re-entry capsule for the entire 21-hour mission, and not to enter the orbital module. He had two rest periods of three hours each, and was scheduled to eat once or twice meals of what was said to be a superior form of Chinese space food. Frequent communications sessions, including colour television links to the spacecraft, were made possible by China's four tracking ships deployed in the oceans of the world.
As the spacecraft was in its 21st orbit, the orbital module separated. It would stay in the 343 km orbit for a planned six-month military imaging reconnaissance mission. Retrofire was commanded via a tracking ship in the Atlantic off the coast of Africa. Shenzhou-5 landed only 4.8 km from the aim-point in Inner Mongolia with the parachute being sighted by the ground recovery forces prior to landing. Yang landed after 21 hours 23 minutes aloft.
2003 October 21 - .
03:16 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- CBERS-2 ZY-1 FM2 - .
Payload: Zi Yuan 1B. Mass: 1,450 kg (3,190 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CAS.
Class: Earth.
Type: Earth resources satellite. Spacecraft: Phoenix Eye.
USAF Sat Cat: 28057 . COSPAR: 2003-049A. Apogee: 750 km (460 mi). Perigee: 731 km (454 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Period: 99.60 min. Delayed from late 2001, September 3 2002, March 14 and September 2003. Second China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS 2)..
- Chuangxin-1 - .
Payload: Chuang Xin 1. Mass: 90 kg (198 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CAS.
Class: Technology.
Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: CX-1.
USAF Sat Cat: 28058 . COSPAR: 2003-049B. Apogee: 759 km (471 mi). Perigee: 686 km (426 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Period: 99.20 min.
Chuangxin-1 (or Innovation-1) was China's first experimental small satellite for store-and-forward short message data communications in low Earth orbit. With a mass less than 100 kg, the Chuangxin-1 was developed in light of national strategic demands. Starting from 1999 with support of the national Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the project was carried out jointly by researchers from the CAS Shanghai Institute of Microsystem Information Technology and the CAS Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics. The satellite used spread spectrum communication and subsystems included a communication transponder, onboard computer, attitude control, energy source, thermal control, and structure. The mission was to demonstrate data communications for such sectors as traffic and transportation, environment protection, oil and gas transportation, flood and drought control, detection of forest fire and earthquake monitoring.
2003 November 2 - .
07:20 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- FSW-3 No. 1 - .
Payload: FSW-18, FSW-3.1, Jianbing 4. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SAST.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Decay Date: 2003-12-18 . USAF Sat Cat: 28078 . COSPAR: 2003-051A. Apogee: 165 km (102 mi). Perigee: 141 km (87 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 87.50 min. Expected to have been long-awaited 'seeds in space' mission but official announcements spoke only of photography..
2003 November 14 - .
16:01 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Zhongxing 20 - .
Payload: Chinasat 20 / Shentong 1-1. Mass: 2,300 kg (5,000 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Program: Chinasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 28082 . COSPAR: 2003-052A. Apogee: 35,811 km (22,251 mi). Perigee: 35,762 km (22,221 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Military communications satellite. First of the Shentong series operated by the Chinese Army to provide secure voice and data communications services for ground users using Ku-band. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 103.00E drifting at 0.010W degrees per day..
2003 December 29 - .
19:06 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
Launch Pad: LC1?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Tan Ce 1 - .
Payload: Double Star 1, DSP-E. Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Earth.
Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
Decay Date: 2007-10-14 . USAF Sat Cat: 28140 . COSPAR: 2003-061A. Apogee: 78,051 km (48,498 mi). Perigee: 555 km (344 mi). Inclination: 28.50 deg. Equatorial member of a pair of Chinese-European magnetospheric research satellites carrying surplus instrumentation from the ESA Cluster program. First CZ-2C launch from Xichang..
2004 April 18 - .
15:59 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
Launch Pad: LC1?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Tansuo 1 - .
Payload: Shiyan 1. Mass: 204 kg (449 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: Harbin.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Shiyan.
USAF Sat Cat: 28220 . COSPAR: 2004-012A. Apogee: 616 km (382 mi). Perigee: 598 km (371 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.80 min.
China's first transmission-type small satellite capable of stereo mapping. It was jointly designed by the Harbin Polytechnic University, Chinese Research Institute of Space Technology, Changchun Photomechanical Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)and Xi'an Surveys and Designs Institute. The experiment satellite carried out photographic surveys of China's land resources, monitored the geographical environment and conducted scientific research on mapping. It was handed over for use to the Satellite Remote-Sensing Ground Station of CAS following the on-orbit testing.
- Naxing 1 - .
Payload: CAST1000A, OlympivSat. Mass: 25 kg (55 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: Tsinghua.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military Radarsat. Spacecraft: CAST1000.
USAF Sat Cat: 28221 . COSPAR: 2004-012B. Apogee: 616 km (382 mi). Perigee: 599 km (372 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.80 min. Naxing 1 (a contraction of Nami Weixing 'Nanosatellite') was designed for high-tech experiments. The satellite was developed and will be used by the elite Qinghua University and the Aerospace Qinghua Satellite Technologies Co. Ltd..
2004 July 25 - .
07:05 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Tan Ce 2 - .
Payload: Double Star 2, DSP-P. Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Manufacturer: DFH.
Class: Earth.
Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 28382 . COSPAR: 2004-029A. Apogee: 38,574 km (23,968 mi). Perigee: 655 km (406 mi). Inclination: 90.00 deg. Period: 695.10 min. Delayed from June, July 20..
2004 August 29 - .
07:50 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-3 No. 2 - .
Payload: FSW-19. Mass: 3,100 kg (6,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 26.67 days. Decay Date: 2004-11-07 . USAF Sat Cat: 28402 . COSPAR: 2004-033A. Apogee: 547 km (339 mi). Perigee: 168 km (104 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 91.70 min.
Recoverable satellite officially stated to be conducting space scientific research, land surveying, mapping and other scientific experiments. Said to have improved experimental technology, with higher orientation precision and more complex on-board computers and software. Controlled from the Xian Satellite Monitoring and Control Centre. Successfully re-entered and recovered after 27 days in space at 23:55 GMT on 24 September.
2004 September 8 - .
23:14 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- SJ-6-01A SJ-6A - .
Payload: Shi Jian 6B. Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-6.
USAF Sat Cat: 28413 . COSPAR: 2004-035A. Apogee: 593 km (368 mi). Perigee: 578 km (359 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.40 min.
It was announced that the two satellites had a design life of at least two years, and would be used to probe the space environment, radiation and its effects, record space physical environment parameters, and conduct other related space experiments. The two satellites were built by the Shanghai Academy of Space Flight Technology and Dongfanghong Satellite Company under subcontract to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The scientific instruments aboard the satellites were mainly manufactured by the China Electronics Technology Corporation. Some Western observors believed the mission of the satellites included electronic intelligence technology tests.
- SJ-6-01B SJ-6B - .
Payload: Shi Jian 6B. Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 28414 . COSPAR: 2004-035B. Apogee: 602 km (374 mi). Perigee: 593 km (368 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.60 min. CAST968 platform. Released one minute after SJ-6A..
2004 September 27 - .
08:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- FSW-3 No. 3 - .
Payload: FSW 20. Mass: 3,100 kg (6,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 17.78 days. Decay Date: 2004-11-09 . USAF Sat Cat: 28424 . COSPAR: 2004-039A. Apogee: 297 km (184 mi). Perigee: 205 km (127 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Recoverable military satellite. Returned to Earth at 02:48 GMT on October 15, falling through the roof of a house in the village of Penglai, Sichuan province..
2004 October 19 - .
01:20 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- FY-2C - .
Mass: 1,380 kg (3,040 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Earth.
Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: FY-2.
USAF Sat Cat: 28451 . COSPAR: 2004-042A. Apogee: 35,791 km (22,239 mi). Perigee: 35,786 km (22,236 mi). Inclination: 0.70 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min.
Third Fengyun-2 weather satellite. The apogee motor placed the satellite into a drifting geostationary orbit. As of the date of the launch, four FY-2 satellites had been launched. FY-2 01 was destroyed in a ground fire 1994. FY-2 02 / FY-2A was placed in reserve in May 2000 86 deg E; and FY-2 03 / FY-2B was operational at 123 deg E. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 104.44E drifting at 0.026W degrees per day.
2004 November 6 - .
03:10 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- ZY-2C - .
Mass: 2,600 kg (5,700 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Earth.
Type: Earth resources satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 28470 . COSPAR: 2004-044A. Apogee: 504 km (313 mi). Perigee: 479 km (297 mi). Inclination: 97.30 deg. Period: 94.40 min. Zi Yuan 2-3 was a low earth orbit digital imaging spacecraft used by the Chinese government, probably for both civilian and military reconnaissance purposes..
2004 November 18 - .
10:45 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
Launch Pad: LC1?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Shiyan Weixing 2 - .
Payload: TANSUO 2, CAST1000C. Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Manufacturer: DFH.
Class: Earth.
Type: Earth resources satellite. Spacecraft: CAST1000.
USAF Sat Cat: 28479 . COSPAR: 2004-046A. Apogee: 711 km (441 mi). Perigee: 694 km (431 mi). Inclination: 98.20 deg. Period: 98.80 min. Remote Sensing Technology..
2005 April 12 - .
12:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Apstar 6 - .
Payload: Apstar 5B / Spacebus 4000C2. Mass: 4,680 kg (10,310 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: APT Satellite Company.
Program: Apstar.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: Spacebus 4000.
USAF Sat Cat: 28638 . COSPAR: 2005-012A. Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,778 km (22,231 mi). Inclination: 0.0200 deg. Period: 1,436.09 min. Delayed from November, December 4, 2004. Ku and C band transponders. As of 2007 Mar 11 located at 133.99E drifting at 0.013W degrees per day..
2005 July 5 - .
22:40 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
Launch Pad: Pad 603.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- SJ-7 - .
Payload: Shi Jian 7. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Nation: China.
Manufacturer: CASC.
Spacecraft: SJ-7.
USAF Sat Cat: 28737 . COSPAR: 2005-024A. Apogee: 573 km (356 mi). Perigee: 555 km (344 mi). Inclination: 97.60 deg. Period: 95.90 min. Perhaps early test of satellite inspector/interceptor hardware; orbit similar to SJ-12 in 2010..
2005 August 2 - .
07:30 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- FSW-3 No. 4 - .
Payload: FSW-21. Mass: 3,100 kg (6,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CAST.
Manufacturer: SAST.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 27.00 days. Decay Date: 2005-08-29 . USAF Sat Cat: 28776 . COSPAR: 2005-027A. Apogee: 259 km (160 mi). Perigee: 153 km (95 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 88.60 min. Military reconnaisance satellite, which maneuvered to raise its apogee on Aug 5 and 7 to a 166 x 552 km x 63.0 orbit; and again to the same altitude on Aug 19 after the apogee decayed to 535 km. Return capsule with film aboard recovered on 29 August..
2005 August 29 - .
08:45 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- FSW-3 No. 5 - .
Payload: FSW-22. Mass: 3,100 kg (6,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CAST.
Manufacturer: SAST.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 49.00 days. Decay Date: 2005-10-17 . USAF Sat Cat: 28824 . COSPAR: 2005-033A. Apogee: 224 km (139 mi). Perigee: 178 km (110 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 88.50 min. Decayed 17 October 2005..
2005 October 12 - .
01:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- Shenzhou 6 - .
Crew: Fei Junlong,
Nie Haisheng.
Backup Crew: Jing Haipeng,
Liu Buoming.
Mass: 8,040 kg (17,720 lb). Nation: China.
Related Persons: Wu Jie,
Zhai Zhigang.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Manned.
Type: Manned spacecraft. Flight: Shenzhou 6.
Spacecraft: Shenzhou.
Duration: 4.81 days. Decay Date: 2005-10-16 . USAF Sat Cat: 28879 . COSPAR: 2005-040A. Apogee: 338 km (210 mi). Perigee: 331 km (205 mi). Inclination: 42.40 deg. Period: 91.20 min.
Moved up from October 13. Second Chinese manned space mission. The two-astronaut crew spent 5 days in space, and worked in the Shenzhou orbital module for the first time. Aside from biomedical experiments, the nature of their work was not divulged, and few images of the interior of the orbital module (with its probable military experiments) were released.
2006 April 26 - .
22:48 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 1 - .
Payload: Jianbing 5. Mass: 2,700 kg (5,900 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CNSA.
Manufacturer: CASC.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military Radarsat. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-5.
USAF Sat Cat: 29092 . COSPAR: 2006-015A. Apogee: 630 km (390 mi). Perigee: 627 km (389 mi). Inclination: 97.80 deg. Period: 97.30 min. Remote sensing satellite built by the Shanghai SAST Group. In reality it was the first Chinese synthetic aperture radar military surveillance satellite..
2006 September 9 - .
07:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- SJ-8 - .
Mass: 3,100 kg (6,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Manufacturer: SAST.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Duration: 14.82 days. Decay Date: 2006-11-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 29385 . COSPAR: 2006-035A. Apogee: 336 km (208 mi). Perigee: 173 km (107 mi). Inclination: 63.00 deg. Period: 89.60 min. Long delayed Seed Satellite, an experiment in which a large payload of seeds were exposed to te space environment for two weeks. The modified FSW optical reconnaisance satellite capsule was recovered in Sichuan at 02:43 GMT on September 24..
2006 September 12 - .
16:02 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
2006 October 23 - .
23:34 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC1.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- SJ-6-02A SJ-6C - .
Mass: 2,700 kg (5,900 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval signals intelligence satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-6.
USAF Sat Cat: 29505 . COSPAR: 2006-046A. Apogee: 598 km (371 mi). Perigee: 594 km (369 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.60 min. Replaced the SJ-6 Group 1 satellites A and B. Official purpose was to measure the space environment, but foreign analysts suspected a SIGINT role..
- SJ-6-02B SJ-6D - .
Mass: 2,700 kg (5,900 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval signals intelligence satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 29506 . COSPAR: 2006-046B. Apogee: 599 km (372 mi). Perigee: 598 km (371 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.70 min.
2006 October 28 - .
16:20 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Sinosat-2 - .
Payload: Xinnuo 2. Mass: 5,100 kg (11,200 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 29516 . COSPAR: 2006-048A. Apogee: 35,911 km (22,314 mi). Perigee: 35,675 km (22,167 mi). Inclination: 0.0600 deg. Period: 1,436.44 min.
First DH-4 heavy Chinese communication satellite with communications equipment provided by Alcatel Alenia. Mission failed when solar panels and antennae failed to deploy in geosynchronous orbit. This was a blow to China's prestige, since the satellite was an important part of the 2008 Beijing Olympics coverage plans. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 91.80E drifting at 0.093W degrees per day.
2006 December 8 - .
00:53 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
2007 February 2 - .
16:28 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
2007 April 11 - .
03:27 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- HY-1B - .
Payload: Haiyang 1B. Mass: 443 kg (976 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Manufacturer: DFH.
Class: Earth.
Type: Sea satellite. Spacecraft: CAST968.
USAF Sat Cat: 31113 . COSPAR: 2007-010A. Apogee: 815 km (506 mi). Perigee: 782 km (485 mi). Inclination: 98.60 deg. Period: 100.80 min. Oceanographic satellite equipped with a 10-band ocean color scanner, a 4-band CCD imager with 250-meter resolution, and an infrared water profile radiometer..
2007 April 12 - .
20:11 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Beidou M1 - .
Payload: Beidou DW5. Mass: 2,800 kg (6,100 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Manufacturer: CAST.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-MEO.
USAF Sat Cat: 31115 . COSPAR: 2007-011A. Apogee: 21,544 km (13,386 mi). Perigee: 21,519 km (13,371 mi). Inclination: 55.30 deg. Period: 773.40 min. The fifth Beidou satellite, but the first in the 12-hour, 55 deg inclination MEO portion of the constellation. Tested frequencies and equipment for later operational MEO component of the Beidou-2 constellation..
2007 May 13 - .
16:01 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Nigcomsat 1 - .
Payload: DFH-4 Enhanced. Mass: 5,150 kg (11,350 lb). Nation: Nigeria.
Agency: NCS.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 31395 . COSPAR: 2007-018A. Apogee: 35,789 km (22,238 mi). Perigee: 35,782 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.
Second DFH-4 communications satellite; China's first commercial payload sale, and Nigeria's first commercial communications satellite. Positioned at 42.5 deg E. Payload consisted of 4 C-band, 14 Ku-band, 8 Ka-band, and 2 L-band transponders. The antenna subsystem consisted of seven antennas.
2007 May 25 - .
07:12 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Yaogan 2 - .
Payload: Jianbing 6. Mass: 1,300 kg (2,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CNSA.
Manufacturer: CAST.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military Radarsat. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-6.
USAF Sat Cat: 31490 . COSPAR: 2007-019A. Apogee: 655 km (406 mi). Perigee: 631 km (392 mi). Inclination: 97.80 deg. Period: 97.60 min. Second Chinese synthetic aperture radar military surveillance satellite..
- Zheda Pixing 1 - .
Mass: 2.00 kg (4.40 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: Zhejiang.
Manufacturer: SIMIT.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: Zheda Pixing.
COSPAR: 2007-019x. Experimental microelectronics research picosatellite..
2007 May 31 - .
16:08 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Sinosat 3 - .
Mass: 2,200 kg (4,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SinoSatCom.
Manufacturer: CAST.
Program: Sinosat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 31577 . COSPAR: 2007-021A. Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Inclination: 0.30 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Chinese C-band domestic communications satellite, launched as part of a campaign to prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games, and to compensate for failure of the first DFH-4 satellite..
2007 July 5 - .
12:08 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Zhongxing 6B - .
Payload: Chinasat 6B / Spacebus 4000C2. Mass: 4,600 kg (10,100 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: ChinaSatCom.
Manufacturer: Alenia.
Program: Chinasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: Spacebus 4000.
USAF Sat Cat: 31800 . COSPAR: 2007-031A. Apogee: 35,797 km (22,243 mi). Perigee: 35,775 km (22,229 mi). Inclination: 0.0200 deg. Period: 1,436.07 min. Direct broadcast satellite, capable of transmitting 300 television channels using 38 transponders. To be positioned at 115.5 deg E, beaming signals to China, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. Planned mission life 15 years..
2007 September 19 - .
03:26 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
2007 October 24 - .
10:05 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC1.
Launch Pad: LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
2007 November 11 - .
22:48 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 3 - .
Payload: Jianbing 5. Mass: 2,700 kg (5,900 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Civilian Radarsat. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-5.
USAF Sat Cat: 32289 . COSPAR: 2007-055A. Apogee: 629 km (390 mi). Perigee: 628 km (390 mi). Inclination: 97.80 deg. Period: 97.30 min. The military launch used a new version of the CZ-4 booster. The CZ-4C includes a restart capability in the upper stage and a new interstage adapter between the first and second stages..
2008 April 25 - .
15:35 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C.
- Tian Lian 1 - .
Payload: DFH 76. Mass: 5,100 kg (11,200 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 32779 . COSPAR: 2008-019A. Apogee: 35,806 km (22,248 mi). Perigee: 35,768 km (22,225 mi). Inclination: 0.40 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.
China's first in a series of new data relay satellites, and the first launch of the CZ-3C, a variant of the Long March with two liquid strap-ons. The satellite will relay data from Chinese manned and military satellites, beginning with the Shenzhou mission, from geostationary orbit at 77 deg E. Configuration unknown, but possibly based on the DFH-4 platform.
2008 May 27 - .
03:02 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- FY-3A - .
Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Earth.
Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: FY-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 32958 . COSPAR: 2008-026A. Apogee: 828 km (514 mi). Perigee: 826 km (513 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.40 min. Polar orbiting weather satellite. The FY-3 series will replace the older FY-1 polar system..
2008 June 9 - .
12:15 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Zhongxing 9 - .
Payload: Chinasat 9 / Spacebus 4000C2. Mass: 5,054 kg (11,142 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Program: Chinasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: Spacebus 4000.
USAF Sat Cat: 33051 . COSPAR: 2008-028A. Apogee: 35,804 km (22,247 mi). Perigee: 35,770 km (22,220 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Launched to support Olympic games; 22 J-band transponders; positioned at 92.2 deg E..
2008 September 6 - .
03:25 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- HJ-1A - .
Payload: Huan Jing-1A. Mass: 470 kg (1,030 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 33320 . COSPAR: 2008-041A. Apogee: 662 km (411 mi). Perigee: 628 km (390 mi). Inclination: 98.00 deg. Period: 97.60 min. 'Environment' satellites that carried visible and infrared sensors..
- HJ-1B - .
Payload: Huan Jing-1B. Mass: 470 kg (1,030 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 33321 . COSPAR: 2008-041B. Apogee: 672 km (417 mi). Perigee: 626 km (388 mi). Inclination: 98.00 deg. Period: 97.70 min.
2008 September 25 - .
13:10 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- Shenzhou 7 - .
Crew: Jing Haipeng,
Liu Buoming,
Zhai Zhigang.
Mass: 7,840 kg (17,280 lb). Nation: China.
Related Persons: Jing Haipeng,
Liu Buoming,
Zhai Zhigang.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Manned.
Type: Manned spacecraft. Flight: Shenzhou 7.
Spacecraft: Shenzhou.
Duration: 2.85 days. Decay Date: 2008-09-28 . USAF Sat Cat: 33386 . COSPAR: 2008-047A. Apogee: 336 km (208 mi). Perigee: 329 km (204 mi). Inclination: 42.40 deg. Period: 91.20 min.
Third Chinese manned space mission. The crew consisted of Zhai Zhigang, backup astronaut for China's first manned space mission; and Liu Buoming and Jing Haipeng, backups for the second mission. The astronauts demonstrated the capability of the Shenzhou spacecraft to carry its full complement of three crew for the first time. Zhai, wearing a Chinese-developed Feitian space suit, emerged from the orbital module of the Shenzhou and became China's first astronaut to conduct a spacewalk. Liu, wearing a proven Russian Orlan spacesuit, remained in the depressurized orbital module, ready to assist Zhai in an emergency. A subsatellite, weighing 40 kg, was released after the EVA, and relayed back images of Shenzhou 7 from close range to a distance of several kilometers. The crew returned safely to earth in a pinpoint landing in Outer Mongolia, carried live on television. The orbital module remained in space, conducting space network experiments with the subsatellite.
- BX-1 - .
Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Flight: Shenzhou 7.
Spacecraft: Ban Xing.
Decay Date: 2009-10-29 . USAF Sat Cat: 33392 . COSPAR: 2008-047G. Apogee: 331 km (205 mi). Perigee: 321 km (199 mi). Inclination: 42.40 deg. Period: 91.00 min. BanXing (companion satellite) subsatellite released by Shenzhou 7. If maneuvered away and back to the Shenzhou orbital module after the mission..
2008 October 25 - .
01:15 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- SJ-6-03A SJ-6E - .
Mass: 2,700 kg (5,900 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-6.
USAF Sat Cat: 33408 . COSPAR: 2008-053A. Apogee: 603 km (374 mi). Perigee: 584 km (362 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.50 min. Third pair in China's SJ military surveillance constellation. It has been suggested that each pair consists of two differing satellites, a smaller minisatellite built by SAST Shanghai and a larger 300-kg CAST-968 bus satellite from DFH..
- SJ-6-03B SJ-6F - .
Mass: 2,700 kg (5,900 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 33409 . COSPAR: 2008-053B. Apogee: 605 km (375 mi). Perigee: 582 km (361 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.50 min.
2008 October 29 - .
16:54 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Simon Bolivar - .
Payload: VeneSat-1. Mass: 5,100 kg (11,200 lb). Nation: Venezuela.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 33414 . COSPAR: 2008-055A. Apogee: 35,797 km (22,243 mi). Perigee: 35,777 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.20 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Venezuela's first satellite, a Chinese-built DFH-4 communications satellit with C-band and Ku-band transponders..
2008 November 5 - .
00:15 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Chuangxin-1-02 - .
Mass: 90 kg (198 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: CX-1.
USAF Sat Cat: 33433 . COSPAR: 2008-056A. Apogee: 805 km (500 mi). Perigee: 785 km (487 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Period: 100.80 min. Microsat built by the Shanghai Institute of Microsystems and Information Technology) and the Shanghai Academy of Space Technology. The satellite was designed to collect and relay hydrological and meteorological data and data for disaster relief..
- Shiyan Weixing 3 - .
Payload: CAST1000C. Mass: 204 kg (449 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: CAST1000.
USAF Sat Cat: 33434 . COSPAR: 2008-056B. Apogee: 806 km (500 mi). Perigee: 785 km (487 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Period: 100.80 min. Built by the Harbin Institute of Technology and the DFH Satellite Company for 'experiments on new technologies in atmospheric exploration'..
2008 December 1 - .
04:42 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Yaogan 4 - .
Payload: Jianbing 6. Mass: 1,300 kg (2,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military Radarsat. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-6.
USAF Sat Cat: 33446 . COSPAR: 2008-061A. Apogee: 654 km (406 mi). Perigee: 632 km (392 mi). Inclination: 97.90 deg. Period: 97.60 min. Fourth 'Remote Sensing Satellite'; presumed military mission..
2008 December 15 - .
03:22 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- Yaogan 5 - .
Payload: Jianbing 8. Mass: 2,800 kg (6,100 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military Radarsat. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-10.
Decay Date: 2014-09-02 . USAF Sat Cat: 33456 . COSPAR: 2008-064A. Apogee: 496 km (308 mi). Perigee: 486 km (301 mi). Inclination: 97.40 deg. Period: 94.40 min.
One of the two different series of military surveillance satellites launched under the YW designation, although YW 5 was in a lower orbit similar to the ZY-2 satellites, lower than previous YW satellites. The launch vehicle was announced as a CZ-4B, but appeared to be a CZ-4B with the CZ-4C's restartable YF-40A upper stage under the larger CZ-4C nose fairing.
2008 December 23 - .
00:54 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- FY-2E - .
Mass: 1,380 kg (3,040 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Earth.
Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: FY-2.
USAF Sat Cat: 33463 . COSPAR: 2008-066A. Apogee: 35,806 km (22,248 mi). Perigee: 35,771 km (22,227 mi). Inclination: 2.60 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. Member of China's geosynchronous weather satellite constellation..
2009 April 14 - .
16:16 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C.
- Beidou G2 - .
Payload: Beidou DW2. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-GEO.
USAF Sat Cat: 34779 . COSPAR: 2009-018A. Apogee: 35,799 km (22,244 mi). Perigee: 35,783 km (22,234 mi). Inclination: 0.70 deg. Period: 1,436.30 min. First launch of the geostationary component of the Beidou-2 navigation satellite constellation. Experienced control problems; as of 2010 not in the operational constellation..
2009 April 22 - .
02:55 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Yaogan 6 - .
Payload: Jianbing 7. Mass: 1,200 kg (2,600 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: ELINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-7.
USAF Sat Cat: 34839 . COSPAR: 2009-021A. Apogee: 512 km (318 mi). Perigee: 512 km (318 mi). Inclination: 97.60 deg. Period: 94.90 min.
2009 August 31 - .
09:28 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Palapa D - .
Payload: Spacebus 4000B3. Mass: 4,100 kg (9,000 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Program: Palapa.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: Spacebus 4000.
USAF Sat Cat: 35812 . COSPAR: 2009-046A. Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Early third stage cutoff left spacecraft in sub-geostationary transfer orbit of 217 km x 21,138 km at 22.4 deg inclination. It used its on-board system to reach an operational orbit, albeit with reduced life due to the propellant consumption..
2009 November 12 - .
02:45 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- SJ-11-01 - .
Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Early warning satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-11.
USAF Sat Cat: 36088 . COSPAR: 2009-061A. Apogee: 705 km (438 mi). Perigee: 688 km (427 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. Period: 98.70 min. Experimental Satellite, believed to carry infrared surveillance system sensors..
2009 December 9 - .
08:42 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Yaogan 7 - .
Payload: Jianbing 6. Mass: 1,300 kg (2,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-6.
USAF Sat Cat: 36110 . COSPAR: 2009-069A. Apogee: 659 km (409 mi). Perigee: 623 km (387 mi). Inclination: 97.80 deg. Period: 97.50 min. Remote-Sensing Satellite, apparently a military optical surveillance satellite similar to YW-2 and YW-4..
2009 December 15 - .
02:31 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 8 - .
Payload: Jianbing 9. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-9.
USAF Sat Cat: 36121 . COSPAR: 2009-072A. Apogee: 1,204 km (748 mi). Perigee: 1,193 km (741 mi). Inclination: 100.50 deg. Period: 109.40 min. Sun-synchronous orbit low resolution imaging satellite, primarily for civilian Earth resource studies. Supplemental military missions may include weather forecasting..
- Xi Wang 1 - .
Mass: 50 kg (110 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Communications.
Type: Amateur radio communications satellite. Spacecraft: Oscar.
USAF Sat Cat: 36122 . COSPAR: 2009-072B. Apogee: 1,205 km (748 mi). Perigee: 1,193 km (741 mi). Inclination: 100.50 deg. Period: 109.40 min. Amateur radio satellite..
2010 January 16 - .
16:12 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C.
- Beidou G1 - .
Payload: Beidou DW3. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-GEO.
USAF Sat Cat: 36287 . COSPAR: 2010-001A. Apogee: 35,972 km (22,351 mi). Perigee: 35,600 km (22,100 mi). Inclination: 1.80 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. First successful launch in the geostationary component of the Beidou-2 navigation satellite constellation. Stationed at 144.5 deg E..
2010 March 5 - .
04:55 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 9A - .
Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 36413 . COSPAR: 2010-009A. Apogee: 1,107 km (687 mi). Perigee: 1,075 km (667 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.10 min.
- Yaogan 9B - .
Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 36414 . COSPAR: 2010-009B. Apogee: 1,107 km (687 mi). Perigee: 1,075 km (667 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.10 min.
- Yaogan 9C - .
Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 36415 . COSPAR: 2010-009C. Apogee: 1,107 km (687 mi). Perigee: 1,074 km (667 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.10 min.
2010 June 2 - .
15:53 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C.
- Beidou G3 - .
Payload: Beidou DW4. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-GEO.
USAF Sat Cat: 36590 . COSPAR: 2010-024A. Apogee: 35,796 km (22,242 mi). Perigee: 35,776 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 1.80 deg. Period: 1,436.00 min. Second successful launch in the geostationary component of the Beidou-2 navigation satellite constellation. Stationed at 84 deg E..
2010 June 15 - .
01:39 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- SJ-12 - .
Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Military.
Type: Anti-satellite system. Spacecraft: SJ-7.
USAF Sat Cat: 36596 . COSPAR: 2010-027A. Apogee: 602 km (374 mi). Perigee: 578 km (359 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.50 min. Satellite inspector/interceptor. Carried out a close pass or even came in contact with the SJ-6/3A satellite on 19 August 2010. By 21 September was in a 580 km x 606 km x 97.8 deg orbit..
2010 July 31 - .
21:30 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Beidou IGS 1 - .
Payload: Beidou DW5. Mass: 2,600 kg (5,700 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-IGSO.
USAF Sat Cat: 36828 . COSPAR: 2010-036A. Apogee: 35,901 km (22,307 mi). Perigee: 35,680 km (22,170 mi). Inclination: 55.00 deg. Period: 1,436.30 min. First satellite placed in the Beidou-2 inclined geosynchronous orbit constellation; placed in Plane 1 at 118 deg E..
2010 August 9 - .
22:49 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 10 - .
Payload: Yaogan Weixing 10 / Jianbing 5. Mass: 2,700 kg (5,900 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Civilian Radarsat. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-5.
USAF Sat Cat: 36834 . COSPAR: 2010-038A. Apogee: 630 km (390 mi). Perigee: 627 km (389 mi). Inclination: 97.80 deg. Period: 97.30 min. Radar imaging satellite..
2010 August 24 - .
07:10 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Tianhui-1 Weixing - .
Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Tianhui.
USAF Sat Cat: 36985 . COSPAR: 2010-040A. Apogee: 507 km (315 mi). Perigee: 484 km (300 mi). Inclination: 97.40 deg. Period: 94.50 min. Research, mapping and land resource survey satellite..
2010 September 4 - .
16:14 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Zhongxing 6A - .
Payload: Chinasat 6A. Mass: 5,100 kg (11,200 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Program: Chinasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 37150 . COSPAR: 2010-042A. Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,778 km (22,231 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. C and Ku band communications transponders..
2010 September 22 - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Yaogan 11 - .
Payload: Zheda Pixing 1A / Jianbing 6. Mass: 1,300 kg (2,800 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-6.
USAF Sat Cat: 37165 . COSPAR: 2010-047A. Apogee: 669 km (415 mi). Perigee: 626 km (388 mi). Inclination: 98.00 deg. Period: 97.70 min. Carried earth imaging camera..
- Zheda Pixing 1B - .
Mass: 3.00 kg (6.60 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. Spacecraft: Zheda Pixing.
USAF Sat Cat: 37166 . COSPAR: 2010-047B. Apogee: 657 km (408 mi). Perigee: 622 km (386 mi). Inclination: 98.00 deg. Period: 97.50 min. Picosatellite testing various systems for later operational satellites..
- Zheda Pixing 1C - .
Mass: 3.00 kg (6.60 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. Spacecraft: Zheda Pixing.
USAF Sat Cat: 37167 . COSPAR: 2010-047C. Apogee: 657 km (408 mi). Perigee: 623 km (387 mi). Inclination: 98.00 deg. Period: 97.50 min. Picosatellite testing various systems for later operational satellites..
2010 October 1 - .
11:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C.
- Chang'e 2 - .
Mass: 2,480 kg (5,460 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Moon.
Type: Lunar probe. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 37174 . COSPAR: 2010-050A.
China's second lunar orbiter, retasked to an interplanetary explorer. Entered a 119 x 8599 km lunar orbit on 1 October at 03:14 GMT. By 9 October it had maneuvered to its operational 100-km circular lunar orbit. On 9 June 2011, its lunar mission complete, it was maneuvered out of lunar orbit, and arrived at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrangian point on 25 August 2011. It then followed the interplanetary gravitational superhighway to a 1.02 AU x 1.03 AU x 0.2 deg solar orbit, leading to a flyby of the asteroid Toutatis on 13 December 2012 at 08:30 GMT. It came within 3.2 km of the planetoid and returned detailed images.
2010 October 6 - .
00:49 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- SJ-6-04A SJ-6G - .
Payload: SJ-6/4A. Mass: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-6.
USAF Sat Cat: 37179 . COSPAR: 2010-051A. Apogee: 606 km (376 mi). Perigee: 587 km (364 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.60 min. Fourth pair of SJ-6 military surveillance satellites..
- SJ-6-04B SJ-6H - .
Payload: SJ-6/4B. Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 37180 . COSPAR: 2010-051B. Apogee: 604 km (375 mi). Perigee: 588 km (365 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.60 min.
2010 October 31 - .
16:26 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C.
- Beidou G4 - .
Payload: Beidou DW6. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-GEO.
USAF Sat Cat: 37210 . COSPAR: 2010-057A. Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 1.60 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Third successful launch in the geostationary component of the Beidou-2 navigation satellite constellation. Stationed at 160 deg E. These three launches in one year completed that portion of the constellation..
2010 November 5 - .
18:37 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- FY-3B - .
Payload: Fengyun 3 (01 B. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Earth.
Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: FY-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 37214 . COSPAR: 2010-059A. Apogee: 828 km (514 mi). Perigee: 825 km (512 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 101.40 min. Second polar orbiting FY-3 weather satellite..
2010 November 24 - .
16:09 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Zhongxing 20A - .
Payload: Chinasat 20A / Shentong 1-2. Mass: 2,300 kg (5,000 lb). Nation: China.
Program: Chinasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 37234 . COSPAR: 2010-064A. Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,778 km (22,231 mi). Inclination: 0.40 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Second of the Shentong series operated by the Chinese Army to provide secure voice and data communications services for ground users using Ku-band..
2010 December 17 - .
20:20 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Beidou IGS 2 - .
Payload: Beidou DW7. Mass: 2,600 kg (5,700 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-IGSO.
USAF Sat Cat: 37256 . COSPAR: 2010-068A. Apogee: 35,857 km (22,280 mi). Perigee: 35,722 km (22,196 mi). Inclination: 55.20 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. Second satellite placed in the Beidou-2 inclined geosynchronous orbit constellation; placed in Plane 1 at 118 deg E..
2011 April 9 - .
20:47 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Beidou IGS 3 - .
Payload: Beidou DW8. Mass: 2,600 kg (5,700 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-IGSO.
USAF Sat Cat: 37384 . COSPAR: 2011-013A. Apogee: 35,874 km (22,291 mi). Perigee: 35,696 km (22,180 mi). Inclination: 55.30 deg. Period: 1,436.00 min. Third satellite placed in the Beidou-2 inclined geosynchronous orbit constellation; placed in Plane 1 at 118 deg E. This completed population of the first plane of the IGSO component..
2011 June 20 - .
16:13 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Zhongxing 10 - .
Payload: Chinasat 10. Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Nation: China.
Program: Chinasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 37677 . COSPAR: 2011-026A. Apogee: 35,812 km (22,252 mi). Perigee: 35,764 km (22,222 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. Chinese communications satellite, stationed over 103.5 deg E. AKA ChinaSat 10, Xinnuo-5, and Sinosat-5..
2011 July 6 - .
04:28 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- SJ-11-03 - .
Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Early warning satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-11.
USAF Sat Cat: 37730 . COSPAR: 2011-030A. Apogee: 702 km (436 mi). Perigee: 691 km (429 mi). Inclination: 98.20 deg. Period: 98.70 min. Military satellite, believed to be equipped with infrared sensors, perhaps for ballistic missile launch detection..
2011 July 11 - .
15:41 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C.
- Tianlian 1-02 - .
Mass: 2,300 kg (5,000 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 37737 . COSPAR: 2011-032A. Apogee: 35,804 km (22,247 mi). Perigee: 35,769 km (22,225 mi). Inclination: 0.80 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Data relay satellite to support the Shenzhou-Tiangong docking mission and later manned space station missions..
2011 July 26 - .
21:44 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Beidou IGS 4 - .
Payload: Beidou DW9. Mass: 2,600 kg (5,700 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-IGSO.
USAF Sat Cat: 37763 . COSPAR: 2011-038A. Apogee: 35,864 km (22,284 mi). Perigee: 35,698 km (22,181 mi). Inclination: 55.20 deg. Period: 1,435.80 min. Fourth satellite placed in the Beidou-2 inclined geosynchronous orbit constellation; placed in Plane 2 at 95 deg E..
2011 July 29 - .
07:42 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- SJ-11-02 - .
Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Early warning satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-11.
USAF Sat Cat: 37765 . COSPAR: 2011-039A. Apogee: 705 km (438 mi). Perigee: 688 km (427 mi). Inclination: 98.10 deg. Period: 98.70 min. Believed to carry infrared surveillance system sensors..
2011 August 11 - .
16:15 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Paksat 1R - .
Mass: 5,120 kg (11,280 lb). Nation: Pakistan.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 37779 . COSPAR: 2011-042A. Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.00 min. Communications satellite to replace Paksat 1, the former Palapa C1..
2011 August 15 - .
22:57 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- HY-2A - .
Payload: Haiyang 2A. Mass: 443 kg (976 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Earth.
Type: Climate satellite. Spacecraft: CAST968.
USAF Sat Cat: 37781 . COSPAR: 2011-043A. Apogee: 967 km (600 mi). Perigee: 966 km (600 mi). Inclination: 99.40 deg. Period: 104.40 min. Oceanographic satellite with a microwave radiometer, a radar altimeter and a radar scatterometer to monitor ocean conditions..
2011 August 18 - .
09:28 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
FAILURE: Second stage vernier engine suffered a mechanical failure..
Failed Stage: 2.
- SJ-11-04 - .
Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Early warning satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-11.
Fourth satellite of the SJ-11 infrared surveillance system failed to reach orbit when the second stage vernier engine suffered a mechanical failure..
2011 September 17 - .
16:33 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Zhongxing 1A - .
Payload: Chinasat 1A / Feng Huo 2-1. Mass: 5,100 kg (11,200 lb). Nation: China.
Program: Chinasat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 37804 . COSPAR: 2011-047A. Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 0.50 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Military communications satellite. First of the Feng Huo 2 series for secure digital data and voice tactical military communications..
2011 September 29 - .
13:16 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2FT1.
- Tiangong 1 - .
Mass: 8,500 kg (18,700 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Manned.
Type: Manned space station. Spacecraft Bus: Shenzhou.
Spacecraft: Tiangong.
Decay Date: 2018-04-02 . USAF Sat Cat: 37820 . COSPAR: 2011-053A. Apogee: 339 km (210 mi). Perigee: 330 km (200 mi). Inclination: 42.80 deg. Period: 91.20 min.
First Chinese manned space laboratory. Placed initially into a 198 km x 332 km x 42.8 deg orbit. Maneuvered to a 336 km x 353 km operational orbit by 30 September in preparation for arrival of the Shenzhou 8 spacecraft that would dock with it.
On Mar 21 2016 China announced the end of "data service" with the Tiangong 1. The 8500 kg lab was in a 377 x 394 km x 42.8 deg orbit; it had made reboost manuevers about twice a year, the most recent on 2015 Dec 16.
2011 October 7 - .
08:21 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Eutelsat W3C - .
Payload: Spacebus 4000C3. Mass: 5,400 kg (11,900 lb). Nation: Europe.
Program: Eutelsat.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: Spacebus 4000.
USAF Sat Cat: 37836 . COSPAR: 2011-057A. Apogee: 35,791 km (22,239 mi). Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Communications satellite..
2011 October 31 - .
21:58 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- Shenzhou 8 - .
Mass: 7,800 kg (17,100 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Manned.
Type: Manned spacecraft. Spacecraft: Shenzhou.
Duration: 16.57 days. Decay Date: 2011-11-17 . USAF Sat Cat: 37859 . COSPAR: 2011-063A. Apogee: 338 km (210 mi). Perigee: 328 km (203 mi). Inclination: 42.80 deg. Period: 91.20 min.
Unmanned test of Shenzhou manned spacecraft. Automatically docked with Tiangong 1 space laboratory at 17:28 GMT on 2 November. Undocked on 14 November at 11:27 GMT, backed off 140 m, and conducted a second successful automatic docking at 11:53 GMT. Undocked the final time at 10:30 GMT on 16 November and landed in China at 11:32 GMT on 17 November.
2011 November 9 - .
03:21 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- Tianxun 1 - .
Mass: 58 kg (127 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. Spacecraft: Tianxun.
Decay Date: 2016-02-07 . USAF Sat Cat: 37874 . COSPAR: 2011-066A. Apogee: 489 km (303 mi). Perigee: 477 km (296 mi). Inclination: 97.40 deg. Period: 94.30 min. Technology satellite built by the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics with a small Earth observing CCD camera..
- Yaogan 12 - .
Payload: Jianbing 8. Mass: 2,800 kg (6,100 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-10.
USAF Sat Cat: 37875 . COSPAR: 2011-066B. Apogee: 497 km (308 mi). Perigee: 486 km (301 mi). Inclination: 97.40 deg. Period: 94.40 min. Military optical surveillance satellite..
2011 November 20 - .
00:15 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Chuangxin 1-03 - .
Mass: 88 kg (194 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. Spacecraft: CX-1.
USAF Sat Cat: 37930 . COSPAR: 2011-068A. Apogee: 805 km (500 mi). Perigee: 784 km (487 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Period: 100.80 min. Store-dump communications satellite developed by China Academy of Science, Shanghai Academy of Space Technology, and Shanghai Telecomm..
- Shiyan 4 - .
Mass: 204 kg (449 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Earth.
Type: Earth resources satellite. Spacecraft: Shiyan.
USAF Sat Cat: 37931 . COSPAR: 2011-068B. Apogee: 803 km (498 mi). Perigee: 784 km (487 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Period: 100.70 min. Civilian resource satellite with digital imaging system capable of stereo Earth-terrain mapping..
2011 November 29 - .
18:50 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Yaogan 13 - .
Payload: Jianbing 7. Mass: 1,200 kg (2,600 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-7.
USAF Sat Cat: 37941 . COSPAR: 2011-072A. Apogee: 511 km (317 mi). Perigee: 504 km (313 mi). Inclination: 97.10 deg. Period: 94.80 min. Military optical surveillance satellite. Probably operating in conjunction with the YW-6 radar satellite..
2011 December 1 - .
21:07 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Beidou IGS 5 - .
Payload: Beidou DW10. Mass: 2,600 kg (5,700 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: SISE.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-IGSO.
USAF Sat Cat: 37948 . COSPAR: 2011-073A. Apogee: 35,866 km (22,286 mi). Perigee: 35,705 km (22,186 mi). Inclination: 55.20 deg. Period: 1,436.00 min. Fifth satellite placed in the Beidou-2 inclined geosynchronous orbit constellation; placed in Plane 2 at 95 deg E. This ended launches into the IGSO component for the next several years..
2011 December 19 - .
16:41 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Nigcomsat 1R - .
Mass: 5,200 kg (11,400 lb). Nation: Nigeria.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 38014 . COSPAR: 2011-077A. Apogee: 35,788 km (22,237 mi). Perigee: 35,785 km (22,235 mi). Inclination: 18.49 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Replacement for failed NigComSat-1, launched in 2004..
2011 December 22 - .
03:26 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- ZY-1 02C - .
Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Phoenix Eye.
USAF Sat Cat: 38038 . COSPAR: 2011-079A. Apogee: 775 km (481 mi). Perigee: 773 km (480 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Period: 100.30 min. Military imaging payload with a resolution of 2.4 m..
2012 January 9 - .
03:17 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- ZY 3 - .
Mass: 2,636 kg (5,811 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Phoenix Eye.
USAF Sat Cat: 38046 . COSPAR: 2012-001A. Apogee: 508 km (315 mi). Perigee: 496 km (308 mi). Inclination: 97.50 deg. Period: 94.70 min.
First Chinese civil high-resolution stereoscopic Earth mapping satellite. The mission objective was to produce 1:50,000 scale maps and data for resource mapping, environmental surveying, disaster monitoring, city planning and national security needs. Project go-ahead was March 2008. For this mission the satellite had better positioning and attitude accuracy, multispectral capabilitym and high-data-rate data transmission to the ground - 2 x 450 Mbit/s. The satellite had a swath width of 51 km with a resolution of 2.1 m. The orbit provided a revisit period of 59 days.
- Vesselsat 2 - .
Mass: 23 kg (50 lb). Nation: Luxembourg.
Class: Communications.
Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: Vesselsat.
Decay Date: 2016-10-27 . USAF Sat Cat: 38047 . COSPAR: 2012-001B. Apogee: 501 km (311 mi). Perigee: 489 km (303 mi). Inclination: 97.50 deg. Period: 94.50 min. Built by LuxSpace for Orbcomm's AIS (maritime vessel tracking) system..
2012 January 13 - .
00:56 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- FY-2F - .
Mass: 1,380 kg (3,040 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Earth.
Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: FY-2.
USAF Sat Cat: 38049 . COSPAR: 2012-002A. Apogee: 35,811 km (22,251 mi). Perigee: 35,758 km (22,218 mi). Inclination: 2.40 deg. Period: 1,436.00 min. Replenishment of China's geosynchronous weather satellite constellation..
2012 February 24 - .
16:12 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C.
- Beidou G5 - .
Payload: Beidou DW 11. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-GEO.
USAF Sat Cat: 38091 . COSPAR: 2012-008A. Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Perigee: 35,784 km (22,235 mi). Inclination: 1.70 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Stationed in geostationary orbit at 58.7 deg E..
2012 March 31 - .
10:27 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Apstar 7 - .
Payload: Spacebus 4000C2. Mass: 5,054 kg (11,142 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: Spacebus 4000.
USAF Sat Cat: 38107 . COSPAR: 2012-013A. Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Perigee: 35,782 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.
2012 April 29 - .
20:50 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Beidou M3 - .
Payload: Beidou DW 12. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-MEO.
USAF Sat Cat: 38250 . COSPAR: 2012-018A. Apogee: 21,594 km (13,417 mi). Perigee: 21,461 km (13,335 mi). Inclination: 55.20 deg. Period: 773.20 min.
- Beidou M4 - .
Payload: Beidou DW 13. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-MEO.
USAF Sat Cat: 38251 . COSPAR: 2012-018B. Apogee: 21,602 km (13,422 mi). Perigee: 21,453 km (13,330 mi). Inclination: 55.10 deg. Period: 773.20 min.
2012 May 6 - .
07:10 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Tianhui 1-02 - .
Payload: Tianhui 1B. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Cartographic satellite. Spacecraft: Tianhui.
USAF Sat Cat: 38256 . COSPAR: 2012-020A. Apogee: 506 km (314 mi). Perigee: 485 km (301 mi). Inclination: 97.40 deg. Period: 94.50 min. Mapping-1 Satellite 02; carried visible-band mapping cameras with 5 m resolution..
2012 May 10 - .
07:06 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- Yaogan 14 - .
Payload: Jianbing 11. Mass: 2,800 kg (6,100 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-11.
USAF Sat Cat: 38257 . COSPAR: 2012-021A. Apogee: 479 km (297 mi). Perigee: 471 km (292 mi). Inclination: 97.20 deg. Period: 94.10 min. Military remote sensing
satellite..
- Tiantuo 1 - .
Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. Spacecraft: Tiantuo.
Decay Date: 2014-11-03 . USAF Sat Cat: 38258 . COSPAR: 2012-021B. Apogee: 472 km (293 mi). Perigee: 466 km (289 mi). Inclination: 97.20 deg. Period: 94.00 min. Technology satellite for the National University of Defense Technology; carried an imager, an atomic oxygen sensor, and an AIS (maritime tracking)
receiver..
2012 May 26 - .
15:56 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Zhongxing 2A - .
Payload: Chinasat 2A / Shentong 2-1. Mass: 5,100 kg (11,200 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 38352 . COSPAR: 2012-028A. Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.10 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. First of the second generation of the Shentong series, operated by the Chinese Army to provide secure voice and data Ku-band communications to the ground forces..
2012 May 29 - .
07:31 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 15 - .
Payload: Jianbing 9. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military Radarsat. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-9.
USAF Sat Cat: 38354 . COSPAR: 2012-029A. Apogee: 1,207 km (749 mi). Perigee: 1,201 km (746 mi). Inclination: 100.10 deg. Period: 109.50 min.
2012 June 16 - .
10:37 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- Shenzhou 9 - .
Mass: 7,800 kg (17,100 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Manned.
Type: Manned spacecraft. Spacecraft: Shenzhou.
Duration: 12.64 days. Decay Date: 2012-06-29 . USAF Sat Cat: 38461 . COSPAR: 2012-032A. Apogee: 355 km (220 mi). Perigee: 334 km (207 mi). Inclination: 42.80 deg. Period: 91.40 min.
First docking of a manned Shenzhou spacecraft with the Tiangong space laboratory. The crew was commanded by Jing Haipeng (who flew on Shenzhou 7) with rookies Liu Wang and Liu Yang, the first woman to fly in a Chinese space crew. At about 14:40 GMT on June 17 the ship maneuvered from 261 x 315 km to 315 x 326 km. On June 18 at 06:08 GMT the Shenzhou 9 spaceship docked with the Tiangong 1 spacelab. At 09:10 GMT the three astronauts opened the TG-1 hatch and entered the lab for the first time. The Shenzhou 9 crew undocked from Tiangong 1 at 030:9 GMT on June 24 and backed off to 300 m, then reapproached first to 140 m and then to a manually controlled redocking carried out by Liu Wang at 04:49 GMT. On June 28 at 01:22 GMT Shenhzhou 9 undocked again for the last time; a brief manual re-rendezvous to 140 m was carried out. Return to Earth came on June 29 with orbital module seperation at about 01:16 GMT, retrofire at 01:17 GMT, service module sep at 01:38 GMT and landing at 02:02 GMT in Siziwangqi, a district in Ulanqab prefecture in Inner Mongolia.
2012 July 25 - .
15:43 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C.
- Tianlian 1-03 - .
Mass: 2,300 kg (5,000 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 38730 . COSPAR: 2012-040A. Apogee: 35,802 km (22,246 mi). Perigee: 35,771 km (22,227 mi). Inclination: 1.90 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Provided communications relay to the Chinese space station. On station at 16.7 deg E by 6 August..
2012 August 20 - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5A.
- RV - .
Nation: China.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Test mission..
2012 September 18 - .
19:10 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Beidou M5 - .
Payload: Beidou DW14. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-MEO.
USAF Sat Cat: 38774 . COSPAR: 2012-050A. Apogee: 21,591 km (13,416 mi). Perigee: 21,462 km (13,335 mi). Inclination: 55.00 deg. Period: 773.20 min.
- Beidou M6 - .
Payload: Beidou DW15. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-MEO.
USAF Sat Cat: 38775 . COSPAR: 2012-050B. Apogee: 21,578 km (13,407 mi). Perigee: 21,472 km (13,342 mi). Inclination: 55.10 deg. Period: 773.10 min.
2012 September 29 - .
04:12 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
2012 October 14 - .
00:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Shi Jian 9 A - .
Payload: CAST1000C. Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Technology.
Type: Rendezvous technology satellite. Spacecraft: CAST1000.
USAF Sat Cat: 38860 . COSPAR: 2012-056A. Apogee: 651 km (404 mi). Perigee: 622 km (386 mi). Inclination: 98.00 deg. Period: 97.40 min.
The pair of SJ-9 satellites carried technical experiments and to perform orbital rendezvous, intercept, and formation flying exercises under the control of the China Resources Satellite Applications Center. On 19 October SJ-9A began maneuvers, lowering its orbit to 619 km x 644 km and then returning to a 623 km x 650 km orbit on October 22-23.
- Shi Jian 9 B - .
Payload: CAST1000C. Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Technology.
Type: Rendezvous technology satellite. Spacecraft: CAST1000.
USAF Sat Cat: 38861 . COSPAR: 2012-056B. Apogee: 650 km (400 mi). Perigee: 623 km (387 mi). Inclination: 98.00 deg. Period: 97.50 min.
2012 October 25 - .
15:33 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C.
- Beidou G6 - .
Payload: Beidou DW16. Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-GEO.
USAF Sat Cat: 38953 . COSPAR: 2012-059A. Apogee: 35,797 km (22,243 mi). Perigee: 35,776 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 1.80 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Reached geostationary orbital station at 80.4 E on 1 November. The transfer orbit had an unusually low perigee of around 160 km. Stationed at 80 deg E..
2012 November 18 - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- HJ-1C - .
Mass: 890 kg (1,960 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Civilian Radarsat. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 38997 . COSPAR: 2012-064A. Apogee: 503 km (312 mi). Perigee: 489 km (303 mi). Inclination: 97.30 deg. Period: 94.50 min. Small Chinese S-band semi-active radar earth observation satellite providing all-weather imagery at 100 m resolution. Part of a constellation that includes of two small optical satellites, the HJ-1A and the HJ-1B..
- Feng Niao 1 (FN-1) - .
Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Technology.
Type: Rendezvous technology satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 38998 . COSPAR: 2012-064B. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Perigee: 488 km (303 mi). Inclination: 97.30 deg. Period: 94.50 min. Demonstration of new CAST mini- and micro-satellite buses. FN-1 (Hummersat) was to release the 30 kg FN-1A for formation flying and interorbital communications experiments..
- Xin Yan 1 (XY-1) - .
Mass: 140 kg (300 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. Spacecraft: XY-1.
USAF Sat Cat: 38999 . COSPAR: 2012-064C. Apogee: 501 km (311 mi). Perigee: 489 km (303 mi). Inclination: 97.30 deg. Period: 94.50 min. Technology mission..
2012 November 25 - .
04:06 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 16A - .
Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 39011 . COSPAR: 2012-066A. Apogee: 1,096 km (681 mi). Perigee: 1,085 km (674 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.10 min. Believed to be a military naval SIGINT surveillance system, consisting of a main satellite and two subsatellites. Second such launch after 2010's Yaogan 9..
- Yaogan 16B - .
Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 39012 . COSPAR: 2012-066B. Apogee: 1,095 km (680 mi). Perigee: 1,086 km (674 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.10 min.
- Yaogan 16C - .
Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 39013 . COSPAR: 2012-066C. Apogee: 1,096 km (681 mi). Perigee: 1,085 km (674 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.10 min.
2012 November 27 - .
10:13 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Zhongxing 12 - .
Payload: Chinasat 12 / Spacebus 4000C2. Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: Spacebus 4000.
USAF Sat Cat: 39017 . COSPAR: 2012-067A. Apogee: 35,797 km (22,243 mi). Perigee: 35,776 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Civilian communications satellite for China Satcom. Part of capacity leased to Sri Lankan company SupremeSat. Stationed over over 81.5 deg E..
2012 December 18 - .
16:12 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Gokturk 2 - .
Mass: 1,100 kg (2,400 lb). Nation: Turkey.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Proteus.
USAF Sat Cat: 39030 . COSPAR: 2012-073A. Apogee: 691 km (429 mi). Perigee: 668 km (415 mi). Inclination: 98.20 deg. Period: 98.30 min. Earth observation satellite for the Turkish Defense Ministry. Provides high-resolution imagery of 2.5 m esolution panchromatic, 10 m multispectral (VNIR) and 20 m SWIR..
2013 April 26 - .
04:13 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Gaofen 1 - .
Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 39150 . COSPAR: 2013-018A. Apogee: 656 km (407 mi). Perigee: 628 km (390 mi). Inclination: 98.06 deg. Period: 97.56 min. High resolution imaging satellite with a 2 m resolution pan-chromatic camera, an 8 m resolution multi-spectral camera and a 16 m resolution wide-angle multi-spectral camera..
- NEE-01 Pegaso - .
Mass: 1.00 kg (2.20 lb). Nation: Ecuador.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. Spacecraft: Cubesat.
USAF Sat Cat: 39151 . COSPAR: 2013-018B. Apogee: 654 km (406 mi). Perigee: 627 km (389 mi). Inclination: 98.07 deg. Period: 97.53 min. 1U cubesat for the Ecuadorian space agency EXA..
- Turksat-3USAT - .
Mass: 3.00 kg (6.60 lb). Nation: Turkey.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. Spacecraft: Cubesat.
USAF Sat Cat: 39152 . COSPAR: 2013-018C. Apogee: 654 km (406 mi). Perigee: 628 km (390 mi). Inclination: 98.05 deg. Period: 97.54 min. 3U cubesat from Istanbul Technical University..
- CubeBug-1 - .
Mass: 2.00 kg (4.40 lb). Nation: Argentina.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. Spacecraft: Cubesat.
USAF Sat Cat: 39153 . COSPAR: 2013-018D. Apogee: 654 km (406 mi). Perigee: 627 km (389 mi). Inclination: 98.07 deg. Period: 97.53 min. 2U cubesat from Argentina..
2013 May 1 - .
16:06 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Zhongxing 11 - .
Payload: Chinasat 11. Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 39157 . COSPAR: 2013-020A. Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.55 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. Communications satellite operated by China Satcom with 45 C-band and Ku-band transponders..
2013 June 11 - .
09:38 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- Shenzhou 10 - .
Crew: Nie Haisheng,
Wang Yaping,
Zhang Xiaoguang.
Mass: 7,800 kg (17,100 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Manned.
Type: Manned spacecraft. Spacecraft: Shenzhou.
Duration: 14.60 days. Decay Date: 2013-06-25 . USAF Sat Cat: 39179 . COSPAR: 2013-029A. Apogee: 337 km (209 mi). Perigee: 333 km (206 mi). Inclination: 42.78 deg. Period: 91.23 min.
Docked with the Tiangong-1 spacelab on June 13 at 05:11 GMT. On June 23 the crew carried out a redocking exercise. They undocked Shenzhou 10 from Tiangong at 00:26 GMT, backed away from the station, and redocked with it at 02:00 GMT. On June 24 the crew undocked for the final time, made a flyaround of the Tiangong station, and then prepared to return to Earth. The deorbit burn was at about 23:23 GMT Jun3 25. The capsule landed in China at 00:07 GMT June 26, at 42.33N 111.36E.
2013 July 15 - .
09:27 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Pad: xxx.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- SJ-11-05 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Early warning satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-11.
USAF Sat Cat: 39202 . COSPAR: 2013-035A. Apogee: 702 km (436 mi). Perigee: 687 km (426 mi). Inclination: 98.15 deg. Period: 98.66 min. Suspected infrared-telescope-equipped missile early warning satellite; replaces the fourth spacecraft was lost in a launch failure in 2011..
2013 July 19 - .
23:37 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Pad: xxx.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Shiyan 7 - .
Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: CAST3000.
USAF Sat Cat: 39208 . COSPAR: 2013-037A. Apogee: 674 km (418 mi). Perigee: 660 km (410 mi). Inclination: 98.04 deg. Period: 98.09 min. Satellite inspector with robotic arm. After maneuvering close to Chuangxin-3 on 6 and 9 August, it completed an unexpected rendezvous in a 564 x 610 km x 97.7 deg orbit with the Shi Jian 7 (SJ-7), launched in 2005..
- Chuangxin 3 - .
Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. Spacecraft: Ban Xing.
USAF Sat Cat: 39209 . COSPAR: 2013-037B. Apogee: 673 km (418 mi). Perigee: 665 km (413 mi). Inclination: 98.04 deg. Period: 98.12 min. Served as target for the Shiyan 7 satellite inspector / robotic arm test vehicle..
- SJ-15 - .
Mass: 2,700 kg (5,900 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-6.
USAF Sat Cat: 39210 . COSPAR: 2013-037C. Apogee: 608 km (377 mi). Perigee: 563 km (349 mi). Inclination: 97.68 deg. Period: 96.39 min.
Thought to be carrying out observations of space debris. Made a slight orbit adjustment of 1 km on 15 October to a 660 km x 675 km orbit, then released a new object, 2013-037J, with which it maintained stationkeeping within 2 km. The new object was perhaps a target subsatellite, possibly passive, for experiments with proximity operations.
2013 September 1 - .
19:16 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 17A - .
Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 39239 . COSPAR: 2013-046A. Apogee: 1,116 km (693 mi). Perigee: 1,065 km (661 mi). Inclination: 63.41 deg. Period: 107.05 min.
Triplet of naval surveillance satellites, believed to operate like the old US PARCAE/NOSS system, in which a group of loosely formation-flying spacecraft locate radio emitters using the difference in time of arrival of the radio signals at the different satellites.
- Yaogan 17B - .
Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 39240 . COSPAR: 2013-046B. Apogee: 1,116 km (693 mi). Perigee: 1,065 km (661 mi). Inclination: 63.41 deg. Period: 107.05 min.
- Yaogan 17C - .
Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 39241 . COSPAR: 2013-046C. Apogee: 1,116 km (693 mi). Perigee: 1,064 km (661 mi). Inclination: 63.41 deg. Period: 107.05 min.
2013 September 23 - .
03:07 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Pad: LC9.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- FY-3-03 - .
Payload: Fengyun-3C. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Earth.
Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: FY-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 39260 . COSPAR: 2013-052A. Apogee: 828 km (514 mi). Perigee: 827 km (513 mi). Inclination: 98.77 deg. Period: 101.45 min. Third Fengyun-3 polar orbiting meteorological satellite..
2013 October 25 - .
03:50 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Pad: xxx.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- SJ-16 - .
Payload: SJ-16. Mass: 2,700 kg (5,900 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-6.
USAF Sat Cat: 39358 . COSPAR: 2013-057A. Apogee: 614 km (381 mi). Perigee: 599 km (372 mi). Inclination: 74.98 deg. Period: 96.82 min. The mission of SJ-16 is unknown; the orbit represents a new profile for the series. The SJ ('practice') series satellites carry a mix of technology development and military payloads..
2013 October 29 - .
02:50 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Pad: xxx.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Yaogan 18 - .
Payload: Jianbing 7. Mass: 1,200 kg (2,600 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military Radarsat. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-7.
USAF Sat Cat: 39363 . COSPAR: 2013-059A. Apogee: 514 km (319 mi). Perigee: 510 km (310 mi). Inclination: 97.52 deg. Period: 94.87 min. The third in a satellite series that began with Yaogan 6 and 13..
2013 November 20 - .
03:31 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Pad: xxx.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 19 - .
Payload: Jianbing 9. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-9.
USAF Sat Cat: 39410 . COSPAR: 2013-065A. Apogee: 1,208 km (750 mi). Perigee: 1,201 km (746 mi). Inclination: 100.45 deg. Period: 109.51 min. Thought to be an imaging satellite similar to Yaogan 8..
2013 November 25 - .
02:12 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Pad: xxx.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Shiyan 5 Weixing - .
Payload: SY-5. Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 39455 . COSPAR: 2013-068A. Apogee: 755 km (469 mi). Perigee: 739 km (459 mi). Inclination: 97.96 deg. Period: 99.76 min. Experiment Satellite No 5..
2013 December 1 - .
17:30 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Pad: xxx.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Chang'e 3 - .
Mass: 3,800 kg (8,300 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Moon.
Type: Lunar probe. Spacecraft: Chang'e.
Decay Date: 2013-12-14 . USAF Sat Cat: 39458 . COSPAR: 2013-070A.
Unmanned lunar rover. Boosted into a 210 x 389 109 km x 28.5 deg
lunar transfer orbit. On December 6 at 09:50 GMT the spacecraft entered a 100 km polar orbit around the Moon. The 3,800 kg wet / 1,200 kg at landing spacecraft had a descent engine and landing legs, and a variety of lunar surface science experiments. It also carried Yutu, a small 140 kg rover. On December 10 at 13:20 GMT the orbit was lowered from 100 x 100 to 15 x 100 km. At 12:59:52 GMT December 14, near perilune, the descent engine was turned on to decelerate the probe and fly it down to the surface. Chang'e-3 touched down at 13:11:18 GMT, at 19.51W 44.12N, about 43 km south of
crater Laplace F in the Mare Imbrium. This was the first lunar soft
landing since the USSR's Luna-24 in 1976.
- Yutu - .
Mass: 140 kg (300 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Moon.
Type: Lunar rover. Spacecraft: Yutu.
USAF Sat Cat: 39459 . COSPAR: 2013-070B. Apogee: 884,144 km (549,380 mi). Perigee: 23,826 km (14,804 mi). Inclination: 26.77 deg. Period: 51,809.63 min.
Lunar rover delivered to lunar surface by Chang'e-3. At 20:35 GMT on December 14 the `Yutu hao' (`rabbit') rover drove down the Chang'e-3 ramp onto the lunar surface. Yutu and Chang'e-3 are both solar powered, but also carry small Pu-238 radioactive heater units to keep
systems from freezing during the 14-day lunar night. Yutu had six wheels.
2013 December 9 - .
03:26 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Pad: xxx.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
FAILURE: Failed to reach orbit; third stage shut down 11 seconds early..
- CBERS-3 ZY-1 FM 3 - .
Mass: 1,450 kg (3,190 lb). Nation: Brazil.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Phoenix Eye.
China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite. It was initially reported the launch was a success, but in fact the CZ-4B rocket failed to reach orbit..
2013 December 20 - .
16:42 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Pad: xxx.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3BE.
- Tupac Katari 1 - .
Payload: TKSAT 1. Mass: 5,100 kg (11,200 lb). Nation: Bolivia.
Class: Communications.
Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 39481 . COSPAR: 2013-075A. Apogee: 35,802 km (22,246 mi). Perigee: 35,773 km (22,228 mi). Inclination: 0.0700 deg. Period: 1,436.13 min.
Bolivia's first communications satellite, named after the historical Bolivian leader Julian Apasa Nina (Tupac Katari, 1750-1781). The satellite was built by China's CAST using a DFH-4 bus. It was controlled by Chinese-trained Bolivian engineers at the Amachuma ground
station.
2014 January 9 - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Hypersonic RV - .
Nation: China.
Agency: PLA2AC.
Apogee: 40 km (24 mi).
2002 - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5A.
- Nation: China.
Agency: XPRC.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
2014 March 31 - .
02:58 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- SJ-11-06 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-11.
USAF Sat Cat: 39624 . COSPAR: 2014-014A. Apogee: 704 km (437 mi). Perigee: 688 km (427 mi). Inclination: 98.25 deg. Period: 98.68 min. Sixth satellite in China's Shi Jian 11 constellation, replacing SJ11-01 in that orbital slot. The SJ11 satellites were rumoured to carry infrared sensors of some kind..
2014 August 7 - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Hypersonic RV - .
Nation: China.
Agency: PLA2AC.
Apogee: 40 km (24 mi). Claimed to be a test of a hypersonic glide reentry vehicle. Based on images from the impact
site of one of the stages, the launch appeared to have used a large liquid fuelled booster, possibly a modified CZ-2C..
2014 August 9 - .
05:45 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 20b - .
Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 40110 . COSPAR: 2014-047B. Apogee: 1,094 km (679 mi). Perigee: 1,087 km (675 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.05 min.
- Yaogan 20c - .
Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 40111 . COSPAR: 2014-047C. Apogee: 1,094 km (679 mi). Perigee: 1,087 km (675 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.05 min.
- Yaogan 20a - .
Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 40109 . COSPAR: 2014-047A. Apogee: 1,066 km (662 mi). Perigee: 1,054 km (654 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 106.41 min. Triplet satellites, the fourth in a series; previous triplet clusters were Yaogan 9, 16 and 17. They were thought to be analogous to the old US NOSS/PARCAE ocean surveillance system..
2014 August 19 - .
03:15 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Pad: LC9.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- Gaofen 2 - .
Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: CASC.
Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 40118 . COSPAR: 2014-049A. Apogee: 636 km (395 mi). Perigee: 620 km (380 mi). Inclination: 98.02 deg. Period: 97.26 min. High resolution imaging satellite with a 0.80 m resolution with 48 km swath, in a 10:20 local time at descending node sun-synchronous orbit..
- Brite-PL 2 - .
Mass: 10 kg (22 lb). Nation: Poland.
Spacecraft: Toronto GNB.
USAF Sat Cat: 40119 . COSPAR: 2014-049B. Apogee: 634 km (393 mi). Perigee: 609 km (378 mi). Inclination: 98.02 deg. Period: 97.13 min. 'Heweliusz' (Hewelius) astronomy nanosatellite. The sixth and final member of the planned BRITE constellation carried an R-band photometer..
2014 September 4 - .
00:15 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Chuangxin 1-04 - .
Mass: 90 kg (198 lb). Nation: China.
Spacecraft: CX-1.
USAF Sat Cat: 40137 . COSPAR: 2014-051B. Apogee: 810 km (500 mi). Perigee: 777 km (482 mi). Inclination: 98.45 deg. Period: 100.74 min. Satellite from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, for message data relay, in a sun syncronous orbit with 06:30 local time of descending node..
- Ling Qiao - .
Mass: 135 kg (297 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: Ling Qiao.
USAF Sat Cat: 40136 . COSPAR: 2014-051A. Apogee: 809 km (502 mi). Perigee: 777 km (482 mi). Inclination: 98.45 deg. Period: 100.73 min. Smart Communications Test Satellite, a joint venture of Tsinghua University and Xinwei Telecom, for tests of multimedia data transmission, in a sun syncronous orbit with 06:30 local time of descending node..
2014 September 8 - .
03:22 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- Yaogan 21 - .
Payload: Jianbing 8. Mass: 2,800 kg (6,100 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-10.
USAF Sat Cat: 40143 . COSPAR: 2014-053A. Apogee: 498 km (309 mi). Perigee: 480 km (290 mi). Inclination: 97.39 deg. Period: 94.39 min. Imaging satellite in a sun synchronous orbit with a 10:30 local time descending node. The mission continued a series begun with the Zi Yuan 2 satellites..
- Tiantuo 2 - .
Mass: 67 kg (147 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Tiantuo.
USAF Sat Cat: 40144 . COSPAR: 2014-053B. Apogee: 485 km (301 mi). Perigee: 469 km (291 mi). Inclination: 97.39 deg. Period: 94.15 min. Satellites built by the National University for Defense Technology; this one carried video imaging experiments..
2014 September 28 - .
05:13 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- SJ-11-07 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-11.
USAF Sat Cat: 40261 . COSPAR: 2014-059A. Apogee: 700 km (430 mi). Perigee: 684 km (425 mi). Inclination: 98.10 deg. Period: 98.61 min. Seventh satellite in the Shi Jian 11 constellation, thought perhaps to be used for infrared missile tracking and early warning..
2014 October 20 - .
06:31 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 22 - .
Payload: Jianbing 9. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-9.
USAF Sat Cat: 40275 . COSPAR: 2014-063A. Apogee: 1,207 km (749 mi). Perigee: 1,198 km (744 mi). Inclination: 100.36 deg. Period: 109.48 min. Sun synchronous orbit; 1330 GMT local time of the descending node..
2014 October 23 - .
18:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C/G2.
- Chang'e-5 RRFV - .
Payload: CHANG E 5-T1. Nation: China.
Class: Moon.
Type: Lunar probe. Spacecraft Bus: DFH-3.
Spacecraft: Chang'e-5 RRFV.
Decay Date: 2014-10-31 . USAF Sat Cat: 40283 . COSPAR: 2014-065A. Apogee: 404,729 km (251,486 mi). Perigee: -1,281 km (-1,281 mi). Inclination: 30.50 deg. Reentry vehicle portion of Chang'e-5. The craft made an 8-day flight to loop around the Moon and return to Earth. The reentry vehicle separated from the main bus at 21:53 GMT and landed north of Hohhot at 22:42 GMT..
- Chang'e-5 Flight Test Vehicle - .
Payload: RRFV. Nation: China.
Class: Moon.
Type: Lunar probe. Spacecraft Bus: Chang'e.
Spacecraft: Chang'e-5.
COSPAR: 2014-065.
Chang'e-5 Flight Test Vehicle, also called the Reentry Return Flight Test Mission. The spacecraft was launched into a 209 km x 413,000 km lunar transfer orbit. The vehicle was a precursor to the planned Chang'e-5 mission and consisted of a satellite bus similar to the Chang'e-2 lunar orbiter, topped with a reentry vehicle, a subscale version of the Shenzhou landing module. The craft made an 8-day flight to loop around the Moon and return to Earth. It passed 11,300 km from the Moon on October 27 and returned to Earth on October 31. The descent capsule separated from the main vehicle at 21:53 GMT and landed north of Hohhot at 22:42 GMT. The service module made a burn at 21:56 GMT to avoid reentry and swung past the Earth to head out towards the Earth-Moon L2 point. Stationed at L2 Lagrangian point.
- 4M - .
Payload: CZ-3C R/B. Nation: Germany.
Class: Communications.
Type: Amateur radio communications satellite. Spacecraft: 4M.
Decay Date: 2015-10-06 . USAF Sat Cat: 40284 . COSPAR: 2014-065B. Apogee: 381,280 km (236,910 mi). Perigee: 86,169 km (53,542 mi). Inclination: 61.70 deg. LuxSpace Manfred Memorial Moon Mission, an amateur radio payload attached to the third stage of the CZ-3C that launched the Chang'e-5 flight test vehicle. Following lunar flyby on October 27, the stage was in a 141,090 km x 416,326 km x 54.2 deg orbit..
2014 October 27 - .
06:59 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- SJ-11-08 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: SJ-11.
USAF Sat Cat: 40286 . COSPAR: 2014-066A. Apogee: 700 km (430 mi). Perigee: 681 km (423 mi). Inclination: 98.25 deg. Period: 98.58 min. Eighth and final satellite in the Shi Jian 11 series, believed to be a military surveillance satellite of some kind. Sun synchronous orbit; 1315 GMT local time of the descending node..
2014 November 14 - .
18:53 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Yaogan 23 - .
Payload: Jianbing 7. Mass: 1,200 kg (2,600 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Civilian Radarsat. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-7.
USAF Sat Cat: 40305 . COSPAR: 2014-071A. Apogee: 513 km (318 mi). Perigee: 511 km (317 mi). Inclination: 97.37 deg. Period: 94.87 min. Sun synchronous orbit; 0200 GMT local time of the descending node..
2014 November 20 - .
07:12 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Yaogan 24 - .
Payload: Jianbing 6. Mass: 1,300 kg (2,800 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-6.
USAF Sat Cat: 40310 . COSPAR: 2014-072A. Apogee: 652 km (405 mi). Perigee: 627 km (389 mi). Inclination: 97.95 deg. Period: 97.51 min. Imaging spy satellite in the same series as Yaogan 2, 4, 7, and 11. The CZ-2D second stage was deorbited after deploying the satellite. Sun synchronous orbit; 1330 GMT local time of the descending node..
2014 December 7 - .
03:26 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan LC9.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC9.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- CBERS-4 - .
Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Phoenix Eye.
USAF Sat Cat: 40336 . COSPAR: 2014-079A. Apogee: 774 km (480 mi). Perigee: 773 km (480 mi). Inclination: 98.51 deg. Period: 100.32 min. China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite 4. The uprated ZY-1 class satellite replaced CBERS 3 which was lost in a launch failure a year earlier. Sun synchronous orbit; 1030 GMT local time of the descending node..
2014 December 10 - .
19:33 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 25a - .
Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 40338 . COSPAR: 2014-080A. Apogee: 1,106 km (687 mi). Perigee: 1,074 km (667 mi). Inclination: 63.41 deg. Period: 107.05 min. Fifth Yaogan mission. Each consisted of a main satellite and two subsatellites..
- Yaogan 25b - .
Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 40339 . COSPAR: 2014-080B. Apogee: 1,106 km (687 mi). Perigee: 1,074 km (667 mi). Inclination: 63.41 deg. Period: 107.05 min.
- Yaogan 25c - .
Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 40340 . COSPAR: 2014-080C. Apogee: 1,106 km (687 mi). Perigee: 1,074 km (667 mi). Inclination: 63.41 deg. Period: 107.05 min.
2014 December 27 - .
03:22 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan LC9.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC9.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- Yaogan 26 - .
Payload: Jianbing 8. Mass: 2,800 kg (6,100 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Naval SIGINT. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-8.
USAF Sat Cat: 40362 . COSPAR: 2014-088A. Apogee: 489 km (303 mi). Perigee: 484 km (300 mi). Inclination: 97.41 deg. Period: 94.34 min. The profile was similar to the Yaogan 5 series of imaging satellites, but the rocket used a larger nose fairing, so this was likely an upgrade. Sun synchronous orbit; 1030 GMT local time of the descending node..
2014 December 31 - .
01:02 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- FY-2-08 - .
Mass: 1,380 kg (3,040 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Earth.
Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: FY-2.
USAF Sat Cat: 40367 . COSPAR: 2014-090A. Apogee: 35,796 km (22,242 mi). Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 1.63 deg. Period: 1,436.20 min. Eighth FY-2 weather satellite for China's National Satellite Monitoring Centre. The satellite was placed in GEO using a solid apogee motor which was then ejected.. Stationed in geosynchronous orbit at 100 deg east..
2015 March 30 - .
13:52 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C/YZ1.
- Beidou I1-S - .
Payload: Beidou DW 17 / Beidou 3i. Mass: 850 kg (1,870 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou 3.
USAF Sat Cat: 40549 . COSPAR: 2015-019A. Apogee: 35,985 km (22,360 mi). Perigee: 35,599 km (22,120 mi). Inclination: 54.85 deg. Period: 1,436.39 min.
First in the Beidou-3 generation of Chinese navigation satellites. For the first time the CZ-3C rocket used an additional fourth stage, the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1). The stage used UDMH/N2O4 storable propellants like the Briz-M or Fregat, but had an even lower thrust - only 6.5 kN - and so will need yet longer burn times.
2015 June 26 - .
06:22 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- Gaofen 8 - .
Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 40701 . COSPAR: 2015-030A. Apogee: 490 km (300 mi). Perigee: 482 km (299 mi). Inclination: 97.32 deg. Period: 94.33 min.
High resolution imaging satellite. The previous two Gaofen satellites, 1 and 2, were civilian operated and extensively described before launch. GF-8 was said to be civilian as well, but was not discussed prior to the launch, indicating it was used for military imaging. Sun synchronous orbit; 1330 GMT local time of the descending node.
2015 July 25 - .
12:29 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Beidou M1-S - .
Payload: Beidou DW 18 / Beidou 3m. Mass: 850 kg (1,870 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou 3.
USAF Sat Cat: 40748 . COSPAR: 2015-037A. Apogee: 21,547 km (13,388 mi). Perigee: 21,509 km (13,365 mi). Inclination: 55.06 deg. Period: 773.24 min.
Single launch of the first two of the third generation medium-orbit Beidou satellites. The CZ-3B launch vehicle deployed the YZ-1 upper stage in a 189 km x 18390 km x 55 deg transfer orbit. CZ-3B stage 3 coasted in a low parking orbit for only a minute or so before its second burn to the elliptical orbit. The YZ-1 then separated and made its first burn almost immediately at about 12:45 GMT, raising apogee to 22,000 km. The Beidou/YZ-1 stack then coasted to apogee and at about 16:10 GMT the YZ-1 made a second burn to circularize the orbit. The two payloads were quickly released in a 21,523 km x 22,193 km x 55 deg orbit. At about 16:20 GMT YZ-1 made a disposal burn to a 22,151 x 27,736 km x 55 deg orbit.
- Beidou M2-S - .
Payload: Beidou DW 19 / Beidou 3m. Mass: 850 kg (1,870 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou 3.
USAF Sat Cat: 40749 . COSPAR: 2015-037B. Apogee: 21,547 km (13,388 mi). Perigee: 21,510 km (13,360 mi). Inclination: 55.06 deg. Period: 773.27 min.
2015 August 27 - .
02:31 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC9.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 27 - .
Payload: Jianbing 9. Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-9.
USAF Sat Cat: 40878 . COSPAR: 2015-040A. Apogee: 1,207 km (749 mi). Perigee: 1,193 km (741 mi). Inclination: 100.48 deg. Period: 109.43 min. The 27th Yaogan remote sensing satellite. Fifth in the Yaogan High A series and appeared to replace the first, Yaogan 8, in a sun synchronous orbit with a 09:30 local time longitude of descending node..
2015 September 12 - .
15:04 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Tongxin Jisshu SW1 - .
Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 40892 . COSPAR: 2015-046A. Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,777 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.0800 deg. Period: 1,436.05 min.
Tongxing Jisshu Shiyan Weixing yi hao (Communications Engineering Test Satellite No. 1). Military satellite; speculation was that it was the first in a constellation of ballistic missile early warning satellites. The booster's upper stage reached a 208 km x 635 km x 27.1 deg parking orbit 10 minutes after launch and coasted to the equator, where a second burn at 16:01 GMT sent the stage and payload to a 195 km x 35,814 km x 27.1 deg geotransfer orbit.
2015 September 14 - .
04:42 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
Launch Pad: Jiuquan LC603.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Gaofen 9 - .
Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 40894 . COSPAR: 2015-047A. Apogee: 666 km (413 mi). Perigee: 617 km (383 mi). Inclination: 98.01 deg. Period: 97.55 min. High resolution imaging satellite. GF-9 have replaced GF-1, launched in 2013 to a similar sun synchronous orbit (11:00 local time longitude of descending node)..
2015 September 29 - .
23:13 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B/G2.
- Beidou I2-S - .
Payload: Beidou DW 20 / Beidou 3i. Mass: 850 kg (1,870 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou 3.
USAF Sat Cat: 40938 . COSPAR: 2015-053A. Apogee: 35,962 km (22,345 mi). Perigee: 35,602 km (22,122 mi). Inclination: 54.98 deg. Period: 1,435.85 min. The first Beidou navigation satellite to carry a hydrogen-maser-based clock. Also called Beidou-3 I-2S, deployed in an inclined synchronous orbit. Unlike the previous two flights, this mission did not appear to have used the YZ-1 upper stage..
2015 October 7 - .
04:13 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Jilin-1 Optical A - .
Payload: LQSAT. Mass: 420 kg (920 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Jilin.
USAF Sat Cat: 40958 . COSPAR: 2015-057A. Apogee: 666 km (413 mi). Perigee: 639 km (397 mi). Inclination: 98.04 deg. Period: 97.78 min.
Satellite cluster deployed in a single launch, described as China's first commercial imaging satellite system, built by the Chang Guang Satellite
Technology Company, a spinoff of the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP) in Jilin province. The 420-kg main satellite had an 0.7 m resolution imager. Two 92-kg 'smart video imaging satellites' and a single 50-kg 'smart imaging verification satellite' completed the cluster.
- Jilin-1 Video 1 - .
Payload: LINGQIAO VIDEO A. Mass: 95 kg (209 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Jilin.
USAF Sat Cat: 40959 . COSPAR: 2015-057B. Apogee: 665 km (413 mi). Perigee: 638 km (396 mi). Inclination: 98.04 deg. Period: 97.77 min. One of two 'smart video imaging' satellites in the Jilin cluster..
- Jilin-1 Video 2 - .
Payload: LINGQIAO VIDEO B. Mass: 95 kg (209 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Jilin.
USAF Sat Cat: 40960 . COSPAR: 2015-057C. Apogee: 665 km (413 mi). Perigee: 638 km (396 mi). Inclination: 98.04 deg. Period: 97.76 min. One of two 'smart video imaging' satellites in the Jilin cluster..
- Jilin-1 Tech Demo - .
Mass: 50 kg (110 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Jilin.
USAF Sat Cat: 40961 . COSPAR: 2015-057D. Apogee: 665 km (413 mi). Perigee: 637 km (395 mi). Inclination: 98.04 deg. Period: 97.75 min. 'Smart imaging verification satellite', part of the Jilin cluster..
2015 October 16 - .
16:16 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Apstar 9 - .
Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 40982 . COSPAR: 2015-059A. Apogee: 35,763 km (22,222 mi). Perigee: 35,727 km (22,199 mi). Inclination: 0.0900 deg. Period: 1,433.98 min. Communications satellite for Hong Kong-based APT Satellite, with C- and Ku-band payloads..
2015 October 26 - .
07:10 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Tianhui 1-03 - .
Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Tianhui.
USAF Sat Cat: 40988 . COSPAR: 2015-061A. Apogee: 501 km (311 mi). Perigee: 490 km (300 mi). Inclination: 97.36 deg. Period: 94.52 min. Third Tianhui-1 cartography satellite, launched into the same local-time orbital plane as the prior two, with a 03:30 local time longitude of descending node sun synchronous orbit..
2015 November 3 - .
16:25 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Zhongxing 2C - .
Payload: Chinasat 2C / Shentong 2-2. Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 41021 . COSPAR: 2015-063A. Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.55 deg. Period: 1,436.09 min. Second of the second generation of the Shentong series, operated by the Chinese Army to provide secure voice and data Ku-band communications to the ground forces..
2015 November 8 - .
07:06 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- Yaogan 28 - .
Payload: Jianbing 11. Mass: 2,800 kg (6,100 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Jianbing.
Spacecraft: JB-11.
USAF Sat Cat: 41026 . COSPAR: 2015-064A. Apogee: 483 km (300 mi). Perigee: 459 km (285 mi). Inclination: 97.25 deg. Period: 94.03 min. Thought to be the second Jianbing-11 imaging reconnaissance satellite with an 0.8 m resolution imager. Appeared to be a replacement for the first Jianbing-11, codenamed Yaogan 14. 04:14 local time longitude of descending node sun synchronous orbit..
2015 November 20 - .
16:07 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- LaoSat 1 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 41034 . COSPAR: 2015-067A. Apogee: 41,778 km (25,959 mi). Perigee: 189 km (117 mi). Inclination: 18.40 deg.
Chinese-built DFH-3B communications satellite for Laos. LaoSat-1 was owned by Lao Satellite Joint Venture Co, a collab between China APMT Co. and the Lao National Authority for Science and Tech. LaoSat-1 was placed in a 189 x 41778 km x 18.4 deg geotransfer orbit. Onboard liquid thruster raised orbit to GEO at 128.5 deg E
2015 November 26 - .
21:24 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
2015 December 9 - .
16:46 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Zhongxing 1C - .
Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Communications satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 41103 . COSPAR: 2015-073A. Apogee: 35,816 km (22,254 mi). Perigee: 177 km (109 mi). Inclination: 27.10 deg. The ZX-1C communications satellite was placed in geotransfer orbit. The satellite was thought to be the second Fenghuo-2 military communications satellite, joining ZX-1A launched in 2011..
2015 December 17 - .
00:12 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Wukong - .
Nation: China.
Class: Astronomy.
Type: Astronomy satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 41173 . COSPAR: 2015-078A. Apogee: 504 km (313 mi). Perigee: 487 km (302 mi). Inclination: 97.30 deg.
China launched the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE), given the postlaunch name Wukong ('Monkey King'). DAMPE was a Chinese Academy of Sciences particle physics experiment with a bismuth-germanium oxide calorimeter, and will study electrons, gamma rays and cosmic rays in the GeV to TeV energy range. The satellite has a mass of 1900 kg.
2015 December 28 - .
16:04 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- GaoFen 4 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 41194 . COSPAR: 2015-083A. Apogee: 35,806 km (22,248 mi). Perigee: 205 km (127 mi). Inclination: 23.00 deg. High resolution imaging satellite launched into geotransfer orbit. GF-4 has a 50-metre-resolution imager..
2016 January 15 - .
16:57 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
2016 February 1 - .
07:29 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C/YZ1.
- Beidou DW 21 - .
Payload: Beidou M3-S. Nation: China.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou 3.
USAF Sat Cat: 41315 . COSPAR: 2016-006A. Apogee: 21,981 km (13,658 mi). Perigee: 21,512 km (13,366 mi). Inclination: 55.00 deg.
2016 March 29 - .
20:11 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Beidou DW 22 - .
Payload: Beidou IGSO 6. Nation: China.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-IGSO.
USAF Sat Cat: 41434 . COSPAR: 2016-021A. Apogee: 35,796 km (22,242 mi). Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Inclination: 55.00 deg.
2016 April 5 - .
17:38 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Shi Jian 10 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Materials.
Type: Materials science satellite. Spacecraft: FSW.
Decay Date: 2016-04-18 . USAF Sat Cat: 41448 . COSPAR: 2016-023A. Apogee: 267 km (165 mi). Perigee: 233 km (144 mi). Inclination: 42.90 deg.
SJ-10 microgravity experiment satellite launched into low orbit. SJ-10 was based on the old FSW recoverable film-based spy satellites. The main experiment section separated and returned to
Earth at the end of the mission. Shi Jian-10 microgravity satellite's reentry vehicle separated from
the service module on Apr 18 at 0815 UTC and landed in China at 0830 UTC. The service module remains in a 253 x 269 km orbit, recataloged as a new object. It adjusted its orbit on Apr 22 but as of May 18 had not made further maneuvers.
2016 May 30 - .
03:17 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- Ziyuan-3 02 - .
Payload: ZY 3 2. Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 41556 . COSPAR: 2016-033A. Apogee: 499 km (310 mi). Perigee: 484 km (300 mi). Inclination: 97.50 deg. 1024LT sun synchronous orbit satellitefor China's Satellite Surveying and Mapping Applications Center.
It carried a 2-meter-resolution Earth imaging cameras..
- Batata - .
Payload: NUSAT 2. Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: Cubesat.
USAF Sat Cat: 41558 . COSPAR: 2016-033C. Apogee: 499 km (310 mi). Perigee: 481 km (298 mi). Inclination: 97.50 deg. 1024LT SSO.
2016 June 12 - .
15:30 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C.
- Beidou DW 23 - .
Payload: Beidou G7. Nation: China.
Class: Navigation.
Type: Navigation satellite. Spacecraft: Beidou-GEO.
USAF Sat Cat: 41586 . COSPAR: 2016-037A. Apogee: 34,574 km (21,483 mi). Perigee: 217 km (134 mi). Inclination: 19.30 deg. 7th geostationary satellite in the Beidou-2 generation..
2016 June 29 - .
03:21 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- Shi Jian 16-02 - .
Payload: SJ 16-02. Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: ELINT. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 41634 . COSPAR: 2016-043A. Apogee: 616 km (382 mi). Perigee: 596 km (370 mi). Inclination: 75.00 deg. Chinese technology satellite..
2016 August 6 - .
16:22 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Tiantong-1 01 xing - .
Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 41725 . COSPAR: 2016-048A. Apogee: 35,903 km (22,309 mi). Perigee: 35,751 km (22,214 mi). Inclination: 5.00 deg. First Tiantong-1 satellite, was built by CAST and operated by China Satcom; it supported a mobile
communications network operated by China Telecom. The satellite reached geostationary orbit and was drifting east over the Indian Ocean..
2016 August 9 - .
22:55 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Gaofen 3 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military Radarsat. USAF Sat Cat: 41727 . COSPAR: 2016-049A. Apogee: 751 km (466 mi). Perigee: 750 km (460 mi). Inclination: 98.40 deg. A 1-meter-resolution C-band radar imaging satellite placed in 750 km 0600LT sun-synchronous orbit. Its primary user was the National Satellite Oceanic Applications Center in Mudanjiang..
2016 August 15 - .
17:40 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Mozi - .
Payload: QSS. Nation: China.
Class: Science.
Type: Science satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 41731 . COSPAR: 2016-051A. Apogee: 584 km (362 mi). Perigee: 488 km (303 mi). Inclination: 97.40 deg.
The QUESS (Quantum Experiment Scientific Satellite, liangzi kexue shiyan weixing) was named 'Mozi hao' after the Chinese philosopher Mo Zi (470-390BC), who was credited with the first mention of
a camera obscura. The Mozi satellite performed communications experiments using quantum entanglement; developed by the Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites.
- Lixing-1 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Earth.
Type: Atmosphere satellite. Decay Date: 2016-08-19 . USAF Sat Cat: 41733 . COSPAR: 2016-051C. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). Perigee: 124 km (77 mi). Inclination: 97.40 deg.
Lixing-1 (Drag Star 1, also referred to as Qibo Daqi Kexue Shiyan Weixing or Upper atmosphere scientific experimental satellite), which was to study atmospheric density after lowering its orbit to 100 to 150 km; developed by the Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites. The Lixing-1 upper atmosphere study satellite lowered its orbit on Aug 16 from 488 x 504 km to only 124 x 140 km, the lowest ever orbit for an active spacecraft. It reentered on Aug 19.
- 3Cat-2 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Earth.
Type: Altimeter. Spacecraft: Cubesat.
USAF Sat Cat: 41732 . COSPAR: 2016-051B. Apogee: 503 km (312 mi). Perigee: 485 km (301 mi). Inclination: 97.40 deg. A6U cubesat from the Universita Politecnica de Catalunya in Spain. 3Cat-2 carried the PYCARO altimeter which used GPS signal reflection off the Earth to measure altitude. 0000LT SSO,..
2016 August 31 - .
18:55 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- GaoFen 10 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. COSPAR: 2016-0F01. High resolution imaging satellite lost in the launch failure. Rumored third stage restart failure, which would have left the vehicle just short of a marginal orbit..
2016 September 15 - .
14:04 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
2016 October 16 - .
23:30 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- Shenzhou 11 - .
Crew: Jing Haipeng,
Chen Dong.
Mass: 7,800 kg (17,100 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Manned.
Type: Manned spacecraft. Flight: Shenzhou 11.
Spacecraft: Shenzhou.
Duration: 32.27 days. Decay Date: 2016-11-18 . USAF Sat Cat: 41812 . COSPAR: 2016-061A. Apogee: 389 km (241 mi). Perigee: 378 km (234 mi). Inclination: 42.80 deg.
China launched Shenhzou 11 with astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong; two days later, at 1924 UTC Oct 18, it docked with Tiangong-2 to begin a month-long mission. The Chinese astronauts Jing and Chen completed work aboard the Tiangong-2 spacelab on Nov 17 and undocked in Shenzhou-11 at 0441 UTC. Shenzhou 11 landed near Zhurihezen in Inner Mongolia province at 0559 UTC.
2016 October 22 - .
23:31 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2F.
- TG-2 bansui weixing - .
Payload: Banxing-2. Nation: China.
Class: Technology.
Type: Technology satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 41834 . COSPAR: 2016-057H. Apogee: 384 km (238 mi). Perigee: 374 km (232 mi). Inclination: 42.80 deg. Released from Tiangong-2 in low earth orbit. A 47 kg 'bansui weixing' (subsatellite) which remained in formation with TG-2 to image the complex..
2016 November 11 - .
23:14 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Yunhai-1 01 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Earth.
Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: CAST2000.
USAF Sat Cat: 41857 . COSPAR: 2016-068A. Apogee: 787 km (489 mi). Perigee: 760 km (470 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Meteorology satellite by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology..
2016 November 22 - .
15:24 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C.
- Tianlian-1 04 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Data relay satellite. Spacecraft: DFH-3.
USAF Sat Cat: 41869 . COSPAR: 2016-072A. Apogee: 41,776 km (25,958 mi). Perigee: 201 km (124 mi). Inclination: 17.40 deg.
The fourth in China's Tianlian-1 series of data relay satellites was launched into an elliptical geotransfer orbit. On Nov 23 at about 1000 UTC it raised its orbit with a burn over the Indian Ocean.
It wa expected to replace Tianlian-1 01 at the 80E location. On Dec 1 Tianlian 1-04 was tracked on station at 76.9E, a few degrees from Tianlian 1-01.
2016 December 10 - .
16:11 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B/G2.
- Fengyun-4 01 - .
Payload: Fengyun 4A. Nation: China.
Class: Earth.
Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: FY-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 41882 . COSPAR: 2016-077A. Apogee: 35,803 km (22,246 mi). Perigee: 184 km (114 mi). Inclination: 28.40 deg.
First satellite in the FY-4 series, placed in a geotransfer orbit. China's FY-1 and newer FY-3 series were polar orbiting weather satellites comparable to the NOAA polar series, while the FY-2 constellation, to be superseded by the FY-4 system, consistd of geostationary satellites like NOAA's GOES. FY-4 No. 1 carried a 0.5 km resolution imager, a 913-channel IR sounder, a lightning mapping imager, and a space environment package.
2016 December 21 - .
19:22 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Spark-01 - .
Mass: 50 kg (110 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 41900 . COSPAR: 2016-081C. Apogee: 720 km (440 mi). Perigee: 690 km (420 mi). Inclination: 98.10 deg. 50 kg satellite with hyperspectral imager..
- Spark-02 - .
Mass: 50 kg (110 lb). Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 41901 . COSPAR: 2016-081D. Apogee: 726 km (451 mi). Perigee: 690 km (420 mi). Inclination: 98.10 deg. About 50 kg each. Spark-01 and Spark-02
have hyperspectral imagers; the third, referred to as Chao fenbianlu duo
guangpu chengxiang weixing (Ultra-resolution multispectral imaging
satellite) has a 1.4m resolution imager.
- CFDG - .
Payload: YIJIAN. Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 41899 . COSPAR: 2016-081B. Apogee: 728 km (452 mi). Perigee: 690 km (420 mi). Inclination: 98.10 deg. 50 kg satellite, referred to as Chao fenbianlu duo guangpu chengxiang weixing (Ultra-resolution multispectral imaging satellite), with a 1.4m resolution imager..
2016 December 28 - .
03:23 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Gaojing 1 - .
Payload: Superview-1 01. Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: CAST3000.
USAF Sat Cat: 41907 . COSPAR: 2016-083A. Apogee: 523 km (324 mi). Perigee: 212 km (131 mi). Inclination: 97.60 deg.
The first time the CZ-2D booster was flown from their southern launch site. However, the rocket appeared to have run into problems and achieved orbit with an underspeed of 100 m/s, making
a 212 x 520 km orbit instead of a circular 500 km one. The main payloads were Gaojing 1 and 2, two commercial high resolution (0.5m) imaging satellites also called SuperView 1 and 2. The satellites
were owned by Beijing Aerospace World View Information Technology Co., Ltd (also called Beijing Space View Tech Co.Ltd.); the US company DigitalGlobe was a major investor. 1030LT SSO
- Gaojing 2 - .
Payload: Superview-1 02. Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Surveillance satellite. Spacecraft: CAST3000.
USAF Sat Cat: 41908 . COSPAR: 2016-083B. Apogee: 523 km (324 mi). Perigee: 212 km (131 mi). Inclination: 97.60 deg. 1030LT SSO.
- BJ70-1 - .
Nation: China.
Class: Communications.
Type: Communications satellite. Spacecraft: Cubesat.
Decay Date: 2017-02-18 . USAF Sat Cat: 41909 . COSPAR: 2016-083C. Apogee: 523 km (324 mi). Perigee: 212 km (131 mi). Inclination: 97.60 deg. BY70-1, or Bayi kepu weixing 01 xing, a 2U cubesat with an amateur radio payload developed by high school students at the PLA-related Beijing Bayi School..
2017 January 5 - .
15:18 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Tongxin Jishu SW 2 - .
Payload: TJS-2. Nation: China.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: ELINT. Spacecraft: DFH-4.
USAF Sat Cat: 41911 . COSPAR: 2017-001A. Apogee: 35,801 km (22,245 mi). Perigee: 201 km (124 mi). Inclination: 27.50 deg.
See TJS 2 (Huoyan-1 ?). Tongxin Jishu Shiyan Weixing 2 (Communications Technology Experiment Satellite 2) was developed by the Shanghai team. The lack of public information about the TJSW satellites has led to the suspicion that they may really be for defense purposes, possibly for non-communications purposes such as signals intelligence or missile early warning. TJSW 2 made the burn to circularize its orbit on Jan 6 at 0730 UTC over 114E.
2017 January 15 - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Dong Feng 5C.
- RV x10? - .
Nation: China.
Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Test mission. Impacted in Taklimakan Desert..
2017 April 12 - .
11:04 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
2017 June 15 - .
03:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- Huiyan - .
Payload: HXMT. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 42758 . COSPAR: 2017-034A. Apogee: 547 km (339 mi). Perigee: 535 km (332 mi). Inclination: 43.02 deg. Period: 95.46 min. See HXMT (Huiyan). ..
- OVS-1B - .
Payload: Zhuhai-1-02; ZHUHAI-1 02. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 42759 . COSPAR: 2017-034B. Apogee: 544 km (338 mi). Perigee: 531 km (329 mi). Inclination: 43.02 deg. Period: 95.40 min. See OVS 1B (Zhuhai-1 01B, CAS 4B). ..
- Milanesat - .
Payload: Nusat-3. Nation: Argentina.
USAF Sat Cat: 42760 . COSPAR: 2017-034C. Apogee: 542 km (336 mi). Perigee: 531 km (329 mi). Inclination: 43.02 deg. Period: 95.37 min. See ÑuSat 3 (Aleph-1 3, Milanesat). ..
- OVS-1A - .
Payload: Zhuhai-1-01; ZHUHAI-1 01. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 42761 . COSPAR: 2017-034D. Apogee: 544 km (338 mi). Perigee: 531 km (329 mi). Inclination: 43.02 deg. Period: 95.39 min. See OVS 1A (Zhuhai-1 01A, CAS 4A). ..
2017 June 18 - .
16:10 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Zhongxing 9A - .
Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 42763 . COSPAR: 2017-035A. Apogee: 35,798 km (22,243 mi). Perigee: 35,777 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.0700 deg. Period: 1,436.15 min. See ZX 9A (ChinaSat 9A). ..
2017 September 29 - .
04:20 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Yaogan 30 hao 01 zu 01 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 01 xing; YAOGAN-30 A. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 42945 . COSPAR: 2017-058A. Apogee: 602 km (374 mi). Perigee: 597 km (370 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 96.67 min. See Yaogan 30-01-01 (CX 5-01). ..
- Yaogan 30 hao 01 zu 02 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 02 xing; YAOGAN-30 B. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 42946 . COSPAR: 2017-058B. Apogee: 601 km (373 mi). Perigee: 598 km (371 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 96.67 min. See Yaogan 30-01-02 (CX 5-02). ..
- Yaogan 30 hao 01 zu 03 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 03 xing; YAOGAN-30 C. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 42947 . COSPAR: 2017-058C. Apogee: 604 km (375 mi). Perigee: 595 km (369 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 96.67 min. See Yaogan 30-01-03 (CX 5-03). ..
2017 October 9 - .
04:12 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Antonio Jose de Sucre - .
Payload: VRSS-2. Nation: Venezuela.
USAF Sat Cat: 42954 . COSPAR: 2017-060A. Apogee: 655 km (406 mi). Perigee: 628 km (390 mi). Inclination: 97.98 deg. Period: 97.56 min. See VRSS 2 (Antonio José de Sucre). ..
2017 November 5 - .
11:44 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C/YZ1.
- Beidou DW 24 - .
Payload: 24 ke beidou daohang weix; BEIDOU-3 M1. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43001 . COSPAR: 2017-069A. Apogee: 21,551 km (13,391 mi). Perigee: 21,505 km (13,362 mi). Inclination: 55.08 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M1 (Beidou 24). ..
- Beidou DW 25 - .
Payload: 25 ke beidou daohang weix; BEIDOU-3 M2. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43002 . COSPAR: 2017-069B. Apogee: 21,549 km (13,389 mi). Perigee: 21,507 km (13,363 mi). Inclination: 55.08 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M2 (Beidou 25). ..
2017 November 14 - .
18:34 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC9.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Feng Yun 3D - .
Payload: di si ke fengyun sanhao. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43010 . COSPAR: 2017-072A. Apogee: 828 km (514 mi). Perigee: 824 km (512 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 101.43 min. See FY 3D. ..
- HEAD-1 - .
Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43011 . COSPAR: 2017-072B. Apogee: 811 km (503 mi). Perigee: 795 km (493 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 100.94 min. See HEAD 1 (Hede 1). ..
- Xinyun - .
Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43012 . COSPAR: 2017-072C. Apogee: 797 km (495 mi). Perigee: 615 km (382 mi). Inclination: 98.67 deg. Period: 98.90 min.
2017 November 24 - .
18:09 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Yaogan 30 hao 02 zu 01 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 04 xing; YAOGAN-30 D. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43028 . COSPAR: 2017-075A. Apogee: 600 km (370 mi). Perigee: 598 km (371 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 96.67 min. See Yaogan 30-02-01 (CX 5-04). ..
- Yaogan 30 hao 02 zu 02 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 05 xing; YAOGAN-30 E. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43029 . COSPAR: 2017-075B. Apogee: 602 km (374 mi). Perigee: 596 km (370 mi). Inclination: 34.99 deg. Period: 96.67 min. See Yaogan 30-02-02 (CX 5-05). ..
- Yaogan 30 hao 02 zu 03 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 06 xing; YAOGAN-30 F. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43030 . COSPAR: 2017-075C. Apogee: 603 km (374 mi). Perigee: 596 km (370 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 96.67 min. See Yaogan 30-02-03 (CX 5-06). ..
2017 December 3 - .
04:10 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Ludi Kancha Weixing yi hao - .
Payload: LKW-1. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43034 . COSPAR: 2017-077A. Apogee: 503 km (312 mi). Perigee: 488 km (303 mi). Inclination: 97.42 deg. Period: 94.53 min. See LKW 1. ..
2017 December 10 - .
16:39 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Alcomsat 1 - .
Nation: Algeria.
USAF Sat Cat: 43039 . COSPAR: 2017-078A. Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 0.0400 deg. Period: 1,436.12 min. See Alcomsat 1. ..
2017 December 23 - .
04:13 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Ludi Kancha Weixing er hao - .
Payload: LKW-2. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43080 . COSPAR: 2017-084A. Apogee: 501 km (311 mi). Perigee: 490 km (300 mi). Inclination: 97.42 deg. Period: 94.53 min. See LKW 2. ..
2017 December 25 - .
19:43 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Yaogan 30 hao 03 zu 01 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 07 xing; YAOGAN-30 G. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43081 . COSPAR: 2017-085A. Apogee: 603 km (374 mi). Perigee: 596 km (370 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 96.67 min. See Yaogan 30-03-01 (CX 5-07). ..
- Yaogan 30 hao 03 zu 02 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 08 xing; YAOGAN-30 H. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43082 . COSPAR: 2017-085B. Apogee: 603 km (374 mi). Perigee: 596 km (370 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 96.67 min. See Yaogan 30-03-02 (CX 5-08). ..
- Yaogan 30 hao 03 zu 03 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 09 xing; YAOGAN-30 J. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43083 . COSPAR: 2017-085C. Apogee: 603 km (374 mi). Perigee: 595 km (369 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 96.67 min. See Yaogan 30-03-03 (CX 5-09). ..
2018 January 9 - .
03:23 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC9.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- GaoJing yi hao 03 xing - .
Payload: SuperView-1 03. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43099 . COSPAR: 2018-002A. Apogee: 529 km (328 mi). Perigee: 518 km (321 mi). Inclination: 97.55 deg. Period: 95.10 min. See GaoJing-1 03 (SuperView-1 03). ..
- GaoJing yi hao 04 xing - .
Payload: SuperView-1 04. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43100 . COSPAR: 2018-002B. Apogee: 533 km (331 mi). Perigee: 513 km (318 mi). Inclination: 97.55 deg. Period: 95.09 min. See GaoJing-1 04 (SuperView-1 04). ..
2018 January 11 - .
23:17 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C/YZ1.
- Beidou DW 26 - .
Payload: 26 ke beidou daohang weix; BEIDOU 3M3. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43107 . COSPAR: 2018-003A. Apogee: 21,539 km (13,383 mi). Perigee: 21,517 km (13,370 mi). Inclination: 55.20 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M7 (Beidou 26). ..
- Beidou DW 27 - .
Payload: 27 ke beidou daohang weix; BEIDOU 3M4. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43108 . COSPAR: 2018-003B. Apogee: 21,542 km (13,385 mi). Perigee: 21,514 km (13,368 mi). Inclination: 55.19 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M8 (Beidou 27). ..
2018 January 13 - .
07:09 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Ludi Kancha Weixing san hao - .
Payload: LKW-3. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43146 . COSPAR: 2018-006A. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Perigee: 491 km (305 mi). Inclination: 97.37 deg. Period: 94.53 min. See LKW 3. ..
2018 January 25 - .
05:38 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Weina 1A weixing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-6 06 xing; WEINA 1A. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43169 . COSPAR: 2018-011A. Apogee: 601 km (373 mi). Perigee: 597 km (370 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 96.67 min. See Yaogan 30-04-01 (CX 5-10). ..
- Yaogan 30 hao 04 zu 01 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 10 xing; YAOGAN-30 K. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43170 . COSPAR: 2018-011B. Apogee: 603 km (374 mi). Perigee: 595 km (369 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 96.67 min. See Yaogan 30-04-01 (CX 5-10). ..
- Yaogan 30 hao 04 zu 02 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 11 xing; YAOGAN-30 L. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43171 . COSPAR: 2018-011C. Apogee: 601 km (373 mi). Perigee: 598 km (371 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 96.67 min. See Yaogan 30-04-02 (CX 5-11). ..
- Yaogan 30 hao 04 zu 03 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 12 xing; YAOGAN-30 M. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43172 . COSPAR: 2018-011D. Apogee: 602 km (374 mi). Perigee: 596 km (370 mi). Inclination: 35.00 deg. Period: 96.67 min. See Yaogan 30-04-03 (CX 5-12). ..
2018 February 2 - .
07:50 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- FengMaNiu 1 - .
Payload: FMN 1; FENGMANIU-1. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43192 . COSPAR: 2018-015A. Apogee: 507 km (315 mi). Perigee: 482 km (299 mi). Inclination: 97.38 deg. Period: 94.51 min. See FengMaNiu 1 (FMN 1). ..
- Zhang Heng 1 - .
Payload: CSES; ZHANGZHENG-1. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43194 . COSPAR: 2018-015C. Apogee: 515 km (320 mi). Perigee: 490 km (300 mi). Inclination: 97.37 deg. Period: 94.67 min. See Zhangheng 1 (CSES 1). ..
- Ada - .
Payload: Nusat-4. Nation: Argentina.
USAF Sat Cat: 43195 . COSPAR: 2018-015D. Apogee: 509 km (316 mi). Perigee: 482 km (299 mi). Inclination: 97.38 deg. Period: 94.52 min. See ÑuSat 4 (Aleph-1 4, Ada). ..
- GOMX-4B - .
Nation: Denmark.
USAF Sat Cat: 43196 . COSPAR: 2018-015E. Apogee: 508 km (315 mi). Perigee: 480 km (290 mi). Inclination: 97.37 deg. Period: 94.50 min. See GOMX 4B. ..
- Ulloriaq - .
Payload: GOMX-4A; GOMX4-A. Nation: Denmark.
USAF Sat Cat: 43197 . COSPAR: 2018-015F. Apogee: 509 km (316 mi). Perigee: 480 km (290 mi). Inclination: 97.37 deg. Period: 94.49 min. See GOMX 4A (Ulloriaq). ..
- Shaonian Xing - .
Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43199 . COSPAR: 2018-015H. Apogee: 506 km (314 mi). Perigee: 480 km (290 mi). Inclination: 97.36 deg. Period: 94.47 min. See Shaonian Xing (MXSat 1, Juvenile 1F). ..
- Maryam - .
Payload: Nusat-5; NUSAT 5. Nation: Argentina.
USAF Sat Cat: 43204 . COSPAR: 2018-015K. Apogee: 508 km (315 mi). Perigee: 482 km (299 mi). Inclination: 97.38 deg. Period: 94.51 min. See ÑuSat 5 (Aleph-1 5, Maryam). ..
2018 February 12 - .
05:03 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C/YZ1.
- Beidou DW 28 - .
Payload: 28 ke beidou daohang weix; BEIDOU 3M5. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43207 . COSPAR: 2018-018A. Apogee: 21,543 km (13,386 mi). Perigee: 21,513 km (13,367 mi). Inclination: 55.04 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M3 (Beidou 28). ..
- Beidou DW 29 - .
Payload: 29 ke beidou daohang weix; BEIDOU 3M6. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43208 . COSPAR: 2018-018B. Apogee: 21,547 km (13,388 mi). Perigee: 21,509 km (13,365 mi). Inclination: 55.04 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M4 (Beidou 29). ..
2018 March 17 - .
07:09 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Ludi Kancha Weixing si hao - .
Payload: LKW-4. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43236 . COSPAR: 2018-025A. Apogee: 501 km (311 mi). Perigee: 490 km (300 mi). Inclination: 97.36 deg. Period: 94.53 min. See LKW 4. ..
2018 March 29 - .
17:55 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C/YZ1.
- Beidou DW 30 - .
Payload: 30 ke beidou daohang weix; BEIDOU 3M7. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43245 . COSPAR: 2018-029A. Apogee: 21,535 km (13,381 mi). Perigee: 21,521 km (13,372 mi). Inclination: 55.17 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M9 (Beidou 30). ..
- Beidou DW 31 - .
Payload: 31 ke beidou daohang weix; BEIDOU 3M8. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43246 . COSPAR: 2018-029B. Apogee: 21,544 km (13,386 mi). Perigee: 21,511 km (13,366 mi). Inclination: 55.16 deg. Period: 773.22 min. See BD-3 M10 (Beidou 31). ..
2018 March 31 - .
03:21 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC9.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Gao Fen 1 02 xing - .
Payload: gaofen yi hao 02 xing; GAOFEN 1-02. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43259 . COSPAR: 2018-031A. Apogee: 644 km (400 mi). Perigee: 637 km (395 mi). Inclination: 98.01 deg. Period: 97.53 min. See Gaofen 1-02 (GF 1-02). ..
- Gao Fen 1 03 xing - .
Payload: gaofen yi hao 03 xing; GAOFEN 1-03. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43260 . COSPAR: 2018-031B. Apogee: 645 km (400 mi). Perigee: 636 km (395 mi). Inclination: 98.01 deg. Period: 97.53 min. See Gaofen 1-03 (GF 1-03). ..
- Gao Fen 1 04 xing - .
Payload: gaofen yi hao 04 xing; GAOFEN 1-04. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43262 . COSPAR: 2018-031D. Apogee: 644 km (400 mi). Perigee: 637 km (395 mi). Inclination: 98.01 deg. Period: 97.53 min. See Gaofen 1-04 (GF 1-04). ..
2018 April 10 - .
04:24 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan Pad 43/94.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Yaogan 31 hao 01 zu 01 xing - .
Payload: Jianbing-8 06-1; YAOGAN-31 A. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43275 . COSPAR: 2018-034A. Apogee: 1,116 km (693 mi). Perigee: 1,064 km (661 mi). Inclination: 63.41 deg. Period: 107.05 min. See Yaogan 31A (JB-8 6A). ..
- Yaogan 31 hao 01 zu 02 xing - .
Payload: Jianbing-8 06-2; YAOGAN-31 B. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43276 . COSPAR: 2018-034B. Apogee: 1,116 km (693 mi). Perigee: 1,064 km (661 mi). Inclination: 63.41 deg. Period: 107.05 min. See Yaogan 31B (JB-8 6B). ..
- Yaogan 31 hao 01 zu 03 xing - .
Payload: Jianbing-8 06-3; YAOGAN-31 C. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43277 . COSPAR: 2018-034C. Apogee: 1,116 km (693 mi). Perigee: 1,064 km (661 mi). Inclination: 63.41 deg. Period: 107.05 min. See Yaogan 31C (JB-8 6C). ..
- Weina Jishu Shiyan Weixing - .
Payload: Weina Jishu Shiyan Weixin; WEINA 1B. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43279 . COSPAR: 2018-034E. Apogee: 1,116 km (693 mi). Perigee: 1,064 km (661 mi). Inclination: 63.41 deg. Period: 107.05 min. See Weina 1B. ..
2018 May 3 - .
16:05 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Apstar 6C - .
Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43450 . COSPAR: 2018-041A. Apogee: 35,795 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,779 km (22,231 mi). Inclination: 0.0400 deg. Period: 1,436.11 min. See APStar 6C. ..
2018 May 8 - .
18:27 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC9.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
- Gao Fen 5 - .
Payload: Gaofen wu hao weixing; GAOFEN-5. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43461 . COSPAR: 2018-043A. Apogee: 702 km (436 mi). Perigee: 699 km (434 mi). Inclination: 98.15 deg. Period: 98.78 min. See Gaofen 5 (GF 5). ..
2018 May 20 - .
21:27 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4C.
2018 June 2 - .
04:12 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Gao Fen 6 - .
Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43484 . COSPAR: 2018-048A. Apogee: 647 km (402 mi). Perigee: 634 km (393 mi). Inclination: 98.03 deg. Period: 97.53 min. See Gaofen 6 (GF 6). ..
- Luojia-1 KSW 01 xing - .
Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43485 . COSPAR: 2018-048B. Apogee: 648 km (402 mi). Perigee: 633 km (393 mi). Inclination: 98.03 deg. Period: 97.53 min. See Luojia 1-01 (LJ 1-01). ..
2018 June 5 - .
13:06 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Feng Yun 2H - .
Payload: fengyun erhao 09 xing. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43491 . COSPAR: 2018-050A. Apogee: 35,794 km (22,241 mi). Perigee: 35,777 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 1.81 deg. Period: 1,436.06 min. See FY 2H (FY-2 09). ..
2018 June 27 - .
03:29 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Xin jishu shiyan A xing - .
Payload: XJS A. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43518 . COSPAR: 2018-054A. Apogee: 482 km (299 mi). Perigee: 477 km (296 mi). Inclination: 35.02 deg. Period: 94.19 min. See XJS A. ..
- Xin jishu shiyan B xing - .
Payload: XJS B. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43519 . COSPAR: 2018-054B. Apogee: 484 km (300 mi). Perigee: 476 km (295 mi). Inclination: 35.01 deg. Period: 94.20 min. See XJS B. ..
2018 July 9 - .
03:55 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- PRSS-1 - .
Nation: Pakistan.
USAF Sat Cat: 43529 . COSPAR: 2018-056A. Apogee: 625 km (388 mi). Perigee: 588 km (365 mi). Inclination: 98.03 deg. Period: 96.82 min. See PRSS 1. ..
- PakTES-1a - .
Payload: PakTES-1; PRSS 1. Nation: Pakistan.
USAF Sat Cat: 43530 . COSPAR: 2018-056B. Apogee: 640 km (390 mi). Perigee: 638 km (396 mi). Inclination: 98.05 deg. Period: 97.51 min. See PRSS 1. ..
2018 July 9 - .
20:57 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3A.
- Beidou DW 32 - .
Payload: sanshier ke BDW; BEIDOU IGSO-7. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43539 . COSPAR: 2018-057A. Apogee: 35,880 km (22,290 mi). Perigee: 35,695 km (22,179 mi). Inclination: 55.04 deg. Period: 1,436.15 min. See BD-2 I7 (Beidou 32). ..
2018 July 29 - .
01:47 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C/YZ1.
- Beidou DW 33 - .
Payload: 33 ke beidou daohang weix; BEIDOU 3M9. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43581 . COSPAR: 2018-062A. Apogee: 21,535 km (13,381 mi). Perigee: 21,521 km (13,372 mi). Inclination: 54.86 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M5 (Beidou 33). ..
- Beidou DW 34 - .
Payload: 34 ke beidou daohang weix; BEIDOU 3M10. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43582 . COSPAR: 2018-062B. Apogee: 21,543 km (13,386 mi). Perigee: 21,513 km (13,367 mi). Inclination: 54.86 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M6 (Beidou 34). ..
2018 July 31 - .
03:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC9.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- Gao Fen 11 - .
Payload: GF-11; GAOFEN 11. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43585 . COSPAR: 2018-063A. Apogee: 577 km (358 mi). Perigee: 237 km (147 mi). Inclination: 97.40 deg. Period: 92.70 min. See Gaofen 11 (GF 11). ..
2018 August 24 - .
23:51 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C/YZ1.
- Beidou DW 35 - .
Payload: 35 ke beidou daohang weix; BEIDOU 3M11. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43602 . COSPAR: 2018-067A. Apogee: 21,545 km (13,387 mi). Perigee: 21,511 km (13,366 mi). Inclination: 54.92 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M11 (Beidou 35). ..
- Beidou DW 36 - .
Payload: 36 ke beidou daohang weix; BEIDOU 3M12. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43603 . COSPAR: 2018-067B. Apogee: 21,538 km (13,383 mi). Perigee: 21,518 km (13,370 mi). Inclination: 54.92 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M12 (Beidou 36). ..
2018 September 7 - .
03:14 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC9?.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Hai Yang 1C - .
Payload: haiyang yihao C; HAIYANG 1C. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43609 . COSPAR: 2018-068A. Apogee: 787 km (489 mi). Perigee: 769 km (477 mi). Inclination: 98.58 deg. Period: 100.41 min. See HY 1C. ..
2018 September 19 - .
14:06 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C/YZ1.
- Beidou DW 37 - .
Payload: Beidou-3 M13; BEIDOU 3M13. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43622 . COSPAR: 2018-072A. Apogee: 21,541 km (13,384 mi). Perigee: 21,515 km (13,368 mi). Inclination: 55.00 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M13 (Beidou 37). ..
- Beidou DW 38 - .
Payload: Beidou-3 M14; BEIDOU 3M14. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43623 . COSPAR: 2018-072B. Apogee: 21,539 km (13,383 mi). Perigee: 21,517 km (13,370 mi). Inclination: 55.00 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M14 (Beidou 38). ..
2018 October 8 - .
02:42 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Yaogan 32 hao 01 zu 01 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 10 xing?; YAOGAN-32 A. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43642 . COSPAR: 2018-077A. Apogee: 696 km (432 mi). Perigee: 695 km (431 mi). Inclination: 98.26 deg. Period: 98.68 min. See Yaogan 32-01-01. ..
- Yaogan 32 hao 01 zu 02 xing - .
Payload: Chuangxin-5 11 xing?; YAOGAN-32 B. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43643 . COSPAR: 2018-077B. Apogee: 696 km (432 mi). Perigee: 695 km (431 mi). Inclination: 98.26 deg. Period: 98.68 min. See Yaogan 32-01-02. ..
2018 October 15 - .
04:22 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC3.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C/YZ1.
- Beidou DW 39 - .
Payload: Beidou-3 M15; BEIDOU 3M15. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43647 . COSPAR: 2018-078A. Apogee: 21,550 km (13,390 mi). Perigee: 21,505 km (13,362 mi). Inclination: 55.06 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M15 (Beidou 39). ..
- Beidou DW 40 - .
Payload: Beidou-3 M16; BEIDOU 3M16. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43648 . COSPAR: 2018-078B. Apogee: 21,544 km (13,386 mi). Perigee: 21,512 km (13,366 mi). Inclination: 55.06 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M16 (Beidou 40). ..
2018 October 24 - .
22:56 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Taiyuan.
Launch Complex:
Taiyuan LC9.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 4B.
- Hai Yang 2 02 xing - .
Payload: Haiyang er hao 02 xing; HAIYANG 2B. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43655 . COSPAR: 2018-081A. Apogee: 967 km (600 mi). Perigee: 965 km (599 mi). Inclination: 99.35 deg. Period: 104.40 min. See HY 2B. ..
- Tanguo Guan - .
Payload: Candy Jar; CZ-4B R/B. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43656 . COSPAR: 2018-081B. Apogee: 941 km (584 mi). Perigee: 640 km (390 mi). Inclination: 99.45 deg. Period: 100.67 min. See Tangguo Guan. ..
- SPP/DSB-01 - .
Payload: Space Proving Platform. COSPAR: 2018-081xx.
2018 October 29 - .
00:42 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
Launch Complex:
Jiuquan SLS-2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2C.
- Zhongfa Haiyang Weixing - .
Payload: CFOSat. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43662 . COSPAR: 2018-083A. Apogee: 518 km (321 mi). Perigee: 516 km (320 mi). Inclination: 97.52 deg. Period: 94.97 min. See CFOSAT (Zhongfa Haiyangxue Weixing). ..
- Changsha gaoxin - .
Payload: TY-4-01. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43663 . COSPAR: 2018-083B. Apogee: 523 km (324 mi). Perigee: 510 km (310 mi). Inclination: 97.52 deg. Period: 94.95 min. See Changshagaoxin (TY 4-01). ..
- Xiaoxiang-1 02 xing - .
Payload: TY-1-02. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43664 . COSPAR: 2018-083C. Apogee: 523 km (324 mi). Perigee: 508 km (315 mi). Inclination: 97.51 deg. Period: 94.94 min. See CFOSAT (Zhongfa Haiyangxue Weixing). ..
- Zhaojin-1 - .
Payload: TY-4-02. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43665 . COSPAR: 2018-083D. Apogee: 524 km (325 mi). Perigee: 507 km (315 mi). Inclination: 97.51 deg. Period: 94.93 min. See Tongchuan 1 (Zhaojin 1, TY 4-02). ..
- Xinghe - .
Payload: TY-1-03. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43666 . COSPAR: 2018-083E. Apogee: 523 km (324 mi). Perigee: 505 km (313 mi). Inclination: 97.53 deg. Period: 94.91 min. See Xinghe (Tianfuguoxing 1, TY 1-03). ..
- Tianqi-1 - .
Payload: Tianqi yi hao. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43668 . COSPAR: 2018-083G. Apogee: 523 km (324 mi). Perigee: 510 km (310 mi). Inclination: 97.51 deg. Period: 94.95 min. See Tiange 1. ..
- CubeBel-1 - .
Payload: BSUSat-1. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43669 . COSPAR: 2018-083H. Apogee: 523 km (324 mi). Perigee: 510 km (310 mi). Inclination: 97.52 deg. Period: 94.95 min. See CubeBel 1 (BSUSat 1). ..
- Unknown Chinese payload - .
Payload: -. Nation: China.
COSPAR: 2018-083J.
2018 November 1 - .
15:56 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
Launch Complex:
Xichang LC2.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Beidou DW 41 - .
Payload: Beidou-3 G1Q; BEIDOU 3G1. Nation: China.
USAF Sat Cat: 43683 . COSPAR: 2018-085A. Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 2.87 deg. Period: 1,436.08 min. See BD-3 G1Q (Beidou 41). ..
2018 November 18 - .
18:06 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C/YZ1.
- Beidou DW42 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Navigation. USAF Sat Cat: 43706 . COSPAR: 2018-093A. Apogee: 21,552 km (13,391 mi). Perigee: 21,504 km (13,361 mi). Inclination: 54.94 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M17 (Beidou 42). ..
- Beidou DW43 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Navigation. USAF Sat Cat: 43707 . COSPAR: 2018-093B. Apogee: 21,550 km (13,390 mi). Perigee: 21,506 km (13,363 mi). Inclination: 54.94 deg. Period: 773.23 min. See BD-3 M18 (Beidou 43). ..
2018 November 19 - .
23:39 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C/YZ1.
- Shiyan 6 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Unknown. USAF Sat Cat: 43710 . COSPAR: 2018-094A. Apogee: 506 km (314 mi). Perigee: 486 km (301 mi). Inclination: 97.41 deg. Period: 94.53 min. See SY 6. 0600LT SSO..
- Jiading-1 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Comms. USAF Sat Cat: 43711 . COSPAR: 2018-094B. Apogee: 506 km (314 mi). Perigee: 488 km (303 mi). Inclination: 97.41 deg. Period: 94.55 min. See Jiading 1 (OKW 01). 0600LT SSO..
- Tianzhi 1 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Tech. USAF Sat Cat: 43712 . COSPAR: 2018-094C. Apogee: 506 km (314 mi). Perigee: 487 km (302 mi). Inclination: 97.41 deg. Period: 94.54 min. See Tianzhi 1. 0600LT SSO..
- Tianping-1A - .
Nation: China.
Type: Calib. USAF Sat Cat: 43713 . COSPAR: 2018-094D. Apogee: 506 km (314 mi). Perigee: 485 km (301 mi). Inclination: 97.41 deg. Period: 94.52 min. See Tianping 1A. 0600LT SSO..
- Tianping-1B - .
Nation: China.
Type: Calib. USAF Sat Cat: 43714 . COSPAR: 2018-094E. Apogee: 505 km (313 mi). Perigee: 487 km (302 mi). Inclination: 97.41 deg. Period: 94.54 min. See Tianping 1B. 0600LT SSO..
2018 December 7 - .
04:11 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- SaudiSat-5A - .
Nation: TBD.
Type: Tech 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43831 . COSPAR: 2018-102A. Apogee: 554 km (344 mi). Perigee: 532 km (330 mi). Inclination: 97.62 deg. Period: 95.50 min. See Saudisat 5A. 1030LT SSO..
- SaudiSat-5B - .
Nation: TBD.
Type: Tech 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43832 . COSPAR: 2018-102B. Apogee: 553 km (343 mi). Perigee: 530 km (320 mi). Inclination: 97.62 deg. Period: 95.47 min. See Saudisat 5B. 1030LT SSO..
- TY/DF-1 - .
Nation: TBD.
Type: Tech 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43833 . COSPAR: 2018-102C. Apogee: 553 km (343 mi). Perigee: 530 km (320 mi). Inclination: 97.62 deg. Period: 95.47 min. 1030LT SSO.
- TFSTAR - .
Nation: TBD.
Type: Comms 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43834 . COSPAR: 2018-102D. Apogee: 552 km (342 mi). Perigee: 530 km (320 mi). Inclination: 97.62 deg. Period: 95.47 min. 1030LT SSO.
- Xinjiang Jiaotong--01 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Comms 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43835 . COSPAR: 2018-102E. Apogee: 553 km (343 mi). Perigee: 529 km (328 mi). Inclination: 97.62 deg. Period: 95.46 min. 1030LT SSO.
- Piao chong 1 - .
Payload: Ladybird 1. Nation: China.
Type: Comms 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43836 . COSPAR: 2018-102F. Apogee: 553 km (343 mi). Perigee: 529 km (328 mi). Inclination: 97.62 deg. Period: 95.46 min. 1030LT SSO.
Additional Details: here....
- Piao chong 2 - .
Payload: Ladybird 2, Elvis Presley). Nation: China.
Type: Comms 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43837 . COSPAR: 2018-102G. Apogee: 552 km (342 mi). Perigee: 528 km (328 mi). Inclination: 97.62 deg. Period: 95.44 min. 1030LT SSO.
Additional Details: here....
- Piao chong 3 - .
Payload: Ladybird 3, Hua Mi. Nation: China.
Type: Comms 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43838 . COSPAR: 2018-102H. Apogee: 553 km (343 mi). Perigee: 527 km (327 mi). Inclination: 97.62 deg. Period: 95.44 min. 1030LT SSO.
Additional Details: here....
- Piao chong 4 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Comms 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43839 . COSPAR: 2018-102J. Apogee: 552 km (342 mi). Perigee: 526 km (326 mi). Inclination: 97.63 deg. Period: 95.43 min. 1030LT SSO.
- Piao chong 5 - .
Payload: Ladybird 5, Linda Education Satellite. Nation: China.
Type: Comms 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43840 . COSPAR: 2018-102K. Apogee: 552 km (342 mi). Perigee: 526 km (326 mi). Inclination: 97.62 deg. Period: 95.42 min. 1030LT SSO.
Additional Details: here....
- Piao chong 6 - .
Payload: Ladybird 6, Tmall International. Nation: China.
Type: Comms 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43841 . COSPAR: 2018-102L. Apogee: 552 km (342 mi). Perigee: 526 km (326 mi). Inclination: 97.63 deg. Period: 95.42 min. 1030LT SSO.
Additional Details: here....
- Piao chong 7 - .
Payload: Ladybird 7 , RE:X). Nation: China.
Type: Imaging 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43842 . COSPAR: 2018-102M. Apogee: 546 km (339 mi). Perigee: 531 km (329 mi). Inclination: 97.59 deg. Period: 95.40 min. 1030LT SSO.
Additional Details: here....
2018 December 7 - .
18:22 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Chang'e 4 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Lunar probe 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43845 . COSPAR: 2018-103A. See Chang'e 4 / Yutu 2. ..
- Lunar rover - .
Nation: China.
Type: Lunar rover 1. COSPAR: 2018-103xx.
2018 December 16 - .
06:32 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Albus - .
Nation: USA.
Type: Tech 1. Spacecraft: Cubesat.
COSPAR: 2018-104. See ALBus. ..
- CeReS - .
Type: Science 1. Spacecraft: Cubesat.
COSPAR: 2018-104. See CeREs. ..
2018 December 24 - .
16:52 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3C.
- TJS 3 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Tech? 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43874 . COSPAR: 2018-110A. Apogee: 35,793 km (22,240 mi). Perigee: 35,781 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 0.0500 deg. Period: 1,436.12 min. See TJS 3. GEO 59E..
- TJS 3 subsat - .
Nation: China.
Type: Tech 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43917 . COSPAR: 2018-110C. Apogee: 35,792 km (22,240 mi). Perigee: 35,782 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 0.0500 deg. Period: 1,436.12 min. See TJS 3 Subsatellite. GEO 59E..
2018 December 29 - .
08:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Jiuquan.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 2D.
- Yunhai-2 01 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Meteo 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43909 . COSPAR: 2018-112A. Apogee: 525 km (326 mi). Perigee: 516 km (320 mi). Inclination: 50.02 deg. Period: 95.04 min. See Yunhai-2 01. ..
- Yunhai-2 02 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Weather. USAF Sat Cat: 43910 . COSPAR: 2018-112B. Apogee: 524 km (325 mi). Perigee: 514 km (319 mi). Inclination: 50.02 deg. Period: 95.02 min. See Yunhai-2 02. ..
- Yunhai-2 03 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Meteo 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43911 . COSPAR: 2018-112C. Apogee: 524 km (325 mi). Perigee: 512 km (318 mi). Inclination: 50.02 deg. Period: 94.99 min. See Yunhai-2 03. ..
- Yunhai-2 04 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Meteo 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43912 . COSPAR: 2018-112D. Apogee: 1,098 km (682 mi). Perigee: 1,088 km (676 mi). Inclination: 50.01 deg. Period: 107.12 min. See Yunhai-2 04. ..
- Yunhai-2 05 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Meteo 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43913 . COSPAR: 2018-112E. Apogee: 804 km (499 mi). Perigee: 796 km (494 mi). Inclination: 50.01 deg. Period: 100.87 min. See Yunhai-2 05. ..
- Chongqing - .
Nation: China.
Type: Comms 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43914 . COSPAR: 2018-112F. Apogee: 1,100 km (600 mi). Perigee: 1,091 km (677 mi). Inclination: 50.01 deg. Period: 107.17 min.
- Yunhai-2 06 - .
Nation: China.
Type: Meteo 1. USAF Sat Cat: 43915 . COSPAR: 2018-112G. Apogee: 1,100 km (600 mi). Perigee: 1,092 km (678 mi). Inclination: 50.01 deg. Period: 107.17 min. See Yunhai-2 06. ..
2019 January 10 - .
17:10 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Xichang.
LV Family:
CZ.
Launch Vehicle:
Chang Zheng 3B.
- Zhongxing-2D - .
Nation: China.
Type: Comms 0. USAF Sat Cat: 43920 . COSPAR: 2019-001A. Apogee: 35,791 km (22,239 mi). Perigee: 35,782 km (22,233 mi). Inclination: 0.0400 deg. Period: 1,436.08 min. See ST 2D (ZX 2D, ChinaSat 2D) ?. ..
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