Curated by:
| The table lists all launches by China under the name Shijian together with any other satellites carried on the same launch vehicle. They have used a range of different launch vehicle types and have been launched from Jiuquan, Taiyuan and Xichang.
There purposes seem to be a range of technology demonstration and technology application missions with a leaning towards rendezvous, docking and grappling experiments. Shijian translates to English as "Practice".
They operate in a range of orbits from Sun-synchronous LEO to GEO.
1971-018 CZ 1
Jiuquan Space Centre | 1971 Mar 3, 12:02 | Shijian 1 (Practice 1) 1971-018A 5007 |
Re-entered - 1979 Jun 17
Life 3028 days
|
| Satellite for measuring radiation and the flux of protons and electrons in LEO. Also equipped to measure solar x-ray emissions. Operated from launch to re-entry (eight years). |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | | |
| 1971 Mar 04, 05:06 | 7426 | 0.1051 | 268 | 1828 | 106.14 | 69.90 | 191 | | | |
1981-093 Feng Bao 1
Jiuquan Space Centre | 1981 Sep 19, 21:28 | Shijian 2B (Practice 2B) 1981-093A 12842 |
Re-entered - 1981 Sep 26
Life 7 days
|
| Launched alongside Shijian 2 - inflated balloon with radio-reflective surface, used for radar calibration. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | | |
| 1981 Sep 21, 08:42 | 7193 | 0.0798 | 240 | 1389 | 101.18 | 59.47 | 149 | | | | Shijian 2A (Practice 2A) 1981-093B 12843 |
Re-entered - 1982 Oct 6
Life 382 days
|
| Launched alongside Shijian 2, equipped with radio beacons used to measure ionospheric electron density (topside sounding). |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | | |
| 1981 Sep 21, 09:08 | 7302 | 0.0943 | 235 | 1612 | 103.49 | 59.47 | 150 | | | | Shijian 2 (Practice 2) 1981-093D 12845 |
Re-entered - 1982 Aug 17
Life 332 days
|
| Satellite to study the micrometeoroid and debris environment in LEO and measure electromagnetic radiation. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | | |
| 1981 Sep 21, 09:06 | 7297 | 0.0938 | 235 | 1603 | 103.39 | 59.47 | 149 | | | |
1994-010 CZ 3A
Xichang Space Centre | 1994 Feb 8, 08:33 | Shijian 4 (Practice 4) 1994-010A 22996 |
in space
|
| Equipped with sensors to study the radiation and magnetic environment in geosynchronous transfer orbit. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | | |
| 1994 Feb 19, 15:15 | 24547 | 0.7327 | 185 | 36154 | 637.92 | 28.63 | 187 | | | | 2023 Feb 12, 07:31 | 15214 | 0.5582 | 343 | 17329 | 311.26 | 28.94 | 1 | | | |
1999-025 CZ 4B
Taiyuan Space Centre | 1999 May 10, 01:33 | Fengyun 1C (Largest remaining fragment) 1999-025A 25730 |
in space
|
| Meteorological imaging satellite. Destroyed by Chinese-launched anti-satellite missile 2007 January 11. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2007 Feb 21, 01:08 | 7246 | 0.0022 | 853 | 884 | 102.31 | 98.68 | 92 | 04:39 | | | Shijian 5 (Practice 5) 1999-025B 25731 |
in space
|
| Technology demonstration satellite for systems to be used in future satellite design. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 1999 May 10, 16:18 | 7234 | 0.0013 | 846 | 865 | 102.05 | 98.78 | 308 | 08:36 | | | 1999 May 12, 10:52 | 7237 | 0.0014 | 849 | 869 | 102.11 | 98.81 | 317 | 08:36 | | | 1999 Jun 07, 04:43 | 7235 | 0.0017 | 844 | 869 | 102.07 | 98.79 | 235 | 08:35 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 02:40 | 7229 | 0.0017 | 839 | 863 | 101.94 | 98.90 | 215 | 08:29 | | |
2004-035 CZ 4B
Taiyuan Space Centre | 2004 Sep 8, 23:14 | Shijian 6-01A (Practice 6-01A) 2004-035A 28413 |
in space
|
| One of a pair of Shijian 6 satellites in a dual launch. Reportedly to monitor the space environment but may have been used to develop systems and sensors for a future constellation of Yaogan 31 electronic intelligence gathering satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2004 Sep 11, 23:10 | 6972 | 0.0007 | 589 | 599 | 96.56 | 97.74 | 335 | 06:20 | | | 2006 Oct 26, 20:39 | 6975 | 0.0019 | 584 | 610 | 96.62 | 97.72 | 311 | 05:56 | | | 2013 Aug 22, 08:14 | 6969 | 0.0017 | 579 | 603 | 96.51 | 97.81 | 337 | 05:31 | | | 2023 Feb 12, 08:40 | 6956 | 0.0011 | 570 | 586 | 96.23 | 97.70 | 343 | 06:51 | | | Shijian 6-01B (Practice 6-01B) 2004-035B 28414 |
in space
|
| One of a pair of Shijian 6 satellites in a dual launch. Reportedly to monitor the space environment but may have been used to develop systems and sensors for a future constellation of Yaogan 31 electronic intelligence gathering satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2004 Sep 13, 15:30 | 6976 | 0.0006 | 593 | 602 | 96.64 | 97.74 | 348 | 06:20 | | | 2006 Oct 25, 04:42 | 6975 | 0.0006 | 592 | 601 | 96.62 | 97.73 | 308 | 05:56 | | | 2013 Aug 22, 08:18 | 6970 | 0.0006 | 588 | 596 | 96.51 | 97.81 | 332 | 05:32 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 11:40 | 6960 | 0.0005 | 578 | 586 | 96.31 | 97.70 | 341 | 06:50 | | |
2005-024 CZ 2D
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2005 Jul 5, 22:40 | Shijian 7 (Practice 7) 2005-024A 28737 |
in space
|
| Technology demonstration satellite for sun-synchronous orbit. Used as rendezvous target by Shiyan 7 in 2013. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2005 Jul 06, 09:18 | 6937 | 0.0017 | 547 | 570 | 95.83 | 97.58 | 328 | 04:59 | | | 2005 Jul 27, 10:19 | 6937 | 0.0015 | 548 | 569 | 95.83 | 97.58 | 252 | 04:58 | | | 2005 Jul 28, 11:53 | 6940 | 0.0010 | 555 | 568 | 95.89 | 97.58 | 264 | 04:58 | | | 2005 Jul 30, 10:17 | 6942 | 0.0008 | 559 | 570 | 95.94 | 97.57 | 276 | 04:58 | | | 2023 Feb 12, 17:24 | 6948 | 0.0031 | 549 | 592 | 96.07 | 97.73 | 236 | 05:27 | | |
2006-035 CZ 2C
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2006 Sep 9, 07:00 | Shijian 8 (Practice 8) 2006-035A 29385 |
Re-entered - 2006 Nov 1
Life 53 days
Returned to Earth |
| Recoverable science satellite carrying 215 kg of plant seeds for exposure to the space environment. Following retro-fire and re-entry, the descent module landed in the Sichuan province of China and was recovered. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | | |
| 2006 Sep 09, 20:47 | 6691 | 0.0202 | 178 | 448 | 90.79 | 62.99 | 144 | | | |
2006-046 CZ 4B
Taiyuan Space Centre | 2006 Oct 23, 23:34 | Shijian 6-02A (Practice 6-02A) 2006-046A 29505 |
in space
|
| One of a pair of Shijian 6 satellites in a dual launch. Reportedly to monitor the space environment but may have been used to develop systems and sensors for a future constellation of Yaogan 31 electronic intelligence gathering satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2006 Oct 25, 00:48 | 6975 | 0.0004 | 594 | 600 | 96.62 | 97.71 | 47 | 06:40 | | | 2008 Oct 29, 19:07 | 6974 | 0.0004 | 593 | 599 | 96.60 | 97.69 | 109 | 06:08 | | | 2013 Aug 22, 07:15 | 6969 | 0.0005 | 588 | 594 | 96.51 | 97.75 | 57 | 05:08 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 09:09 | 6953 | 0.0006 | 571 | 579 | 96.16 | 97.76 | 47 | 07:02 | | | Shijian 6-02B (Practice 6-02B) 2006-046B 29506 |
in space
|
| One of a pair of Shijian 6 satellites in a dual launch. Reportedly to monitor the space environment but may have been used to develop systems and sensors for a future constellation of Yaogan 31 electronic intelligence gathering satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2006 Oct 25, 13:42 | 6977 | 0.0003 | 596 | 601 | 96.66 | 97.71 | 82 | 06:40 | | | 2008 Oct 29, 19:04 | 6976 | 0.0003 | 596 | 600 | 96.65 | 97.69 | 137 | 06:06 | | | 2013 Aug 22, 07:04 | 6972 | 0.0004 | 591 | 596 | 96.56 | 97.76 | 98 | 05:03 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 11:35 | 6962 | 0.0004 | 581 | 586 | 96.35 | 97.78 | 121 | 07:02 | | |
2008-053 CZ 4B
Taiyuan Space Centre | 2008 Oct 25, 01:15 | Shijian 6-03A (Practice 6-03A) 2008-053A 33408 |
in space
|
| One of a pair of Shijian 6 satellites in a dual launch. Reportedly to monitor the space environment but may have been used to develop systems and sensors for a future constellation of Yaogan 31 electronic intelligence gathering satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2008 Oct 26, 04:04 | 6971 | 0.0018 | 580 | 605 | 96.53 | 97.74 | 297 | 08:21 | | | 2010 Oct 11, 22:07 | 6971 | 0.0015 | 583 | 603 | 96.54 | 97.65 | 89 | 07:51 | | | 2013 Aug 22, 07:58 | 6971 | 0.0017 | 581 | 605 | 96.54 | 97.57 | 210 | 06:19 | | | 2021 Dec 09, 22:12 | 6961 | 0.0018 | 571 | 596 | 96.34 | 97.83 | 180 | 04:15 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 05:33 | 6954 | 0.0017 | 564 | 588 | 96.19 | 97.87 | 188 | 04:43 | | | Shijian 6-03B (Practice 6-03B) 2008-053B 33409 |
in space
|
| One of a pair of Shijian 6 satellites in a dual launch. Reportedly to monitor the space environment but may have been used to develop systems and sensors for a future constellation of Yaogan 31 electronic intelligence gathering satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2008 Oct 26, 04:04 | 6972 | 0.0016 | 582 | 605 | 96.55 | 97.74 | 296 | 08:21 | | | 2010 Oct 11, 01:44 | 6971 | 0.0019 | 580 | 606 | 96.54 | 97.65 | 81 | 07:51 | | | 2013 Aug 22, 07:52 | 6968 | 0.0016 | 578 | 601 | 96.47 | 97.56 | 188 | 06:23 | | | 2021 Dec 09, 21:41 | 6960 | 0.0017 | 570 | 594 | 96.31 | 97.81 | 142 | 04:18 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 14:05 | 6957 | 0.0017 | 567 | 591 | 96.25 | 97.85 | 147 | 04:42 | | |
2009-061 CZ 2C
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2009 Nov 12, 02:45 | Shijian 11-01 (Practice 11-01) 2009-061A 36088 |
in space
|
| Reported as an "experimental satellite". The orbit, and images of one of its predecessors, indicate that it has an Earth observation rôle. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2009 Nov 12, 18:39 | 7075 | 0.0010 | 690 | 703 | 98.70 | 98.28 | 274 | 09:01 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 09:55 | 7069 | 0.0010 | 684 | 698 | 98.58 | 97.93 | 267 | 06:04 | | |
2010-027 CZ 2D
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2010 Jun 15, 01:39 | Shijian 12 (Practice 12) 2010-027A 36596 |
in space
|
| Experimental satellite. Observers reported that, starting Aug 20, it made several approches to Shijian VI-04A. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2010 Jun 15, 09:08 | 6964 | 0.0016 | 575 | 597 | 96.40 | 97.70 | 226 | 07:57 | | | 2010 Jun 24, 15:02 | 6968 | 0.0016 | 579 | 601 | 96.48 | 97.66 | 175 | 07:57 | | | 2023 Feb 12, 16:18 | 6948 | 0.0011 | 562 | 577 | 96.05 | 97.74 | 312 | 04:47 | | |
2010-051 CZ 4B
Taiyuan Space Centre | 2010 Oct 6, 00:49 | Shijian 6-04A (Practice 6-04A) 2010-051A 37179 |
in space
|
| One of a pair of Shijian 6 satellites in a dual launch. Reportedly to monitor the space environment but may have been used to develop systems and sensors for a future constellation of Yaogan 31 electronic intelligence gathering satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2010 Oct 16, 17:43 | 6974 | 0.0013 | 587 | 606 | 96.61 | 97.76 | 277 | 07:55 | | | 2013 Aug 22, 08:50 | 6971 | 0.0016 | 582 | 604 | 96.54 | 97.65 | 65 | 07:12 | | | 2021 Dec 09, 21:17 | 6963 | 0.0030 | 564 | 605 | 96.37 | 97.74 | 49 | 04:24 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 13:11 | 6956 | 0.0029 | 558 | 597 | 96.22 | 97.79 | 53 | 04:32 | | | Shijian 6-04B (Practice 6-04B) 2010-051B 37180 |
in space
|
| One of a pair of Shijian 6 satellites in a dual launch. Reportedly to monitor the space environment but may have been used to develop systems and sensors for a future constellation of Yaogan 31 electronic intelligence gathering satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2010 Oct 08, 02:13 | 6975 | 0.0012 | 588 | 605 | 96.61 | 97.76 | 327 | 07:55 | | | 2013 Aug 22, 08:27 | 6971 | 0.0014 | 584 | 603 | 96.55 | 97.65 | 79 | 07:11 | | | 2021 Dec 09, 21:59 | 6965 | 0.0013 | 578 | 596 | 96.41 | 97.75 | 58 | 04:22 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 10:00 | 6963 | 0.0013 | 575 | 594 | 96.37 | 97.79 | 64 | 04:28 | | |
2011-030 CZ 2C
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2011 Jul 6, 04:28 | Shijian 11-03 (Practice 11-03) 2011-030A 37730 |
in space
|
| Reported as an "experimental satellite". Orbit details, taken together with an image showing it as 3-axis stabilised and having downward-facing sensors, indicates that the payload has an Earth observation rôle. Launch was out of sequence indicating there may have been a delay in preparations for SJ-11-02 that eventually went into orbit Jul 29. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2011 Jul 06, 08:50 | 7075 | 0.0010 | 690 | 704 | 98.71 | 98.23 | 254 | 10:44 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 10:42 | 7067 | 0.0007 | 684 | 694 | 98.55 | 97.81 | 295 | 05:48 | | |
2011-039 CZ 2C
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2011 Jul 29, 07:42 | Shijian 11-02 (Practice 11-02) 2011-039A 37765 |
in space
|
| Reported as an "experimental satellite". The orbit, and images of one of its predecessors, indicate that it has an Earth observation rôle. Launch was out of sequence (SJ-11-03 later went into orbit Jul 7) indicating that there may have been a delay in completion of manufacturing or testing. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2011 Aug 13, 02:42 | 7075 | 0.0012 | 688 | 706 | 98.71 | 98.11 | 205 | 13:58 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 08:53 | 7065 | 0.0012 | 678 | 695 | 98.49 | 98.42 | 108 | 20:05 | | |
2011-F02 - failed to reach orbit CZ 2C
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2011 Aug 18, 09:28 | Shijian 11-04 (Practice 11-04) |
|
| Reported as an "experimental satellite". The orbits of its predecessors suggests that the payload has an Earth observation rôle. Sun-synchronous orbit would have had its descending node around 15:50 local time. Destroyed when the launch vehicle second stage failed to ignite. Launch was already delayed by one day but reason not given. Replaced by Shijian 11-05, launched 2013 July 15. |
|
2012-056 CZ 2C
Taiyuan Space Centre | 2012 Oct 14, 03:25 | Shijian 9A (Practice 9A) 2012-056A 38860 |
in space
|
| One of a dual-launched complementary pair of space technology development satellites. Testing high precision and high stability control systems based on an ion thruster system, power supply systems and efficient thermal control systems. May also equipped for remote imaging. Catalogue number and designation subject to confirmation. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2012 Oct 18, 16:27 | 7017 | 0.0021 | 624 | 654 | 97.50 | 98.00 | 326 | 10:30 | | | 2012 Oct 19, 08:26 | 7014 | 0.0022 | 621 | 652 | 97.44 | 98.00 | 326 | 10:30 | | | 2012 Oct 20, 05:13 | 7010 | 0.0017 | 620 | 644 | 97.35 | 98.00 | 325 | 10:30 | | | 2012 Oct 21, 07:31 | 7014 | 0.0017 | 624 | 648 | 97.44 | 98.00 | 324 | 10:30 | | | 2012 Oct 22, 21:04 | 7015 | 0.0018 | 624 | 649 | 97.45 | 97.99 | 318 | 10:30 | | | 2012 Oct 23, 11:42 | 7015 | 0.0019 | 623 | 651 | 97.46 | 98.00 | 316 | 10:30 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 09:49 | 7006 | 0.0028 | 609 | 647 | 97.27 | 97.58 | 305 | 06:21 | | | Shijian 9B (Practice 9B) 2012-056B 38861 |
in space
|
| One of a dual-launched complementary pair of space technology development satellites. Testing high precision and high stability control systems based on an ion thruster system, power supply systems and efficient thermal control systems. May also equipped for remote imaging. Catalogue number and designation subject to confirmation. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2012 Oct 14, 21:17 | 7014 | 0.0017 | 624 | 648 | 97.43 | 98.00 | 347 | 10:30 | | | 2012 Oct 18, 15:42 | 7015 | 0.0019 | 624 | 651 | 97.46 | 97.99 | 332 | 10:30 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 11:18 | 6999 | 0.0016 | 610 | 632 | 97.12 | 97.58 | 293 | 07:06 | | |
2013-035 CZ 2C
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2013 Jul 15, 09:27 | Shijian 11-05 (Practice 11-05) 2013-035A 39202 |
in space
|
| Reported as an "experimental satellite". The intended orbit, and images of one of its predecessors, indicate that it has an Earth observation rôle. Replacement for Shijian 11-04, lost because of a launch vehicle failure 2011 August 2. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2013 Jul 19, 11:38 | 7074 | 0.0011 | 688 | 704 | 98.70 | 98.10 | 201 | 15:44 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 10:09 | 7066 | 0.0012 | 680 | 697 | 98.53 | 98.20 | 93 | 16:36 | | |
2013-037 CZ 4C
Taiyuan Space Centre | 2013 Jul 19, 23:37 | Shiyan 7 (NORAD "Payload A") 2013-037A 39208 |
in space
|
| Name to be confirmed: Technology satellite being used in rendezvous, station keeping, and satellite capture tests. Release of a sub-satellite (2013-037J/39357) 2013 Oct 18 and subsequent close- up operations with it may be part of a series of tests aimed at capturing another satellite with a robotic arm. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2013 Jul 20, 05:37 | 7045 | 0.0009 | 661 | 673 | 98.08 | 98.06 | 25 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Oct 15, 04:44 | 7045 | 0.0010 | 660 | 674 | 98.08 | 98.06 | 91 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Oct 15, 12:55 | 7046 | 0.0010 | 660 | 675 | 98.10 | 98.06 | 89 | 06:42 | | | 2023 Feb 12, 06:34 | 7042 | 0.0010 | 657 | 671 | 98.03 | 98.04 | 75 | 05:22 | | | Chuangxin 3 (NORAD "Payload B") 2013-037B 39209 |
in space
|
| Name to be confirmed. Satellite involved in rendezvous tests, possibly as a satellite inspector. Following separation from the launch vehicle, it moved about 1750 km ahead of Changxin 3, another satellite carried on the same launch vehicle. It then made two close passes by it Aug 6 and Aug 9. Early on Aug 18, it pulled alongside anther satellite already in orbit, Shijian 7 (2005-024A/28737), and shadowed it at less than 2km for about 48 hrs. It made further approaches to Shijian 7 later in 2013 and during 2014. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2013 Jul 20, 06:02 | 7048 | 0.0005 | 667 | 673 | 98.15 | 98.06 | 48 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Aug 09, 10:05 | 7048 | 0.0003 | 668 | 672 | 98.15 | 98.06 | 308 | 06:42 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 10:33 | 7041 | 0.0006 | 659 | 667 | 98.00 | 98.05 | 69 | 05:24 | | | Shijian 15 (Practice 13/NORAD "Payload C") 2013-037C 39210 |
in space
|
| Small satellite for the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Before launch there were rumours of a satellite to be used for missile detection. It may be testing sensors for such a mission. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2013 Jul 20, 06:03 | 7047 | 0.0006 | 664 | 673 | 98.12 | 98.06 | 42 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Aug 01, 03:58 | 7049 | 0.0003 | 669 | 673 | 98.17 | 98.07 | 47 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Aug 02, 04:31 | 7051 | 0.0004 | 670 | 675 | 98.20 | 98.06 | 40 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Aug 03, 13:17 | 7053 | 0.0002 | 673 | 676 | 98.25 | 98.06 | 289 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Aug 08, 19:24 | 7051 | 0.0003 | 671 | 675 | 98.21 | 98.06 | 311 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Aug 09, 06:50 | 7030 | 0.0001 | 651 | 653 | 97.77 | 98.06 | 319 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Aug 09, 10:39 | 7043 | 0.0023 | 649 | 682 | 98.05 | 98.08 | 357 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Aug 09, 13:49 | 7049 | 0.0010 | 664 | 678 | 98.16 | 98.05 | 248 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Aug 09, 18:16 | 7048 | 0.0003 | 668 | 672 | 98.14 | 98.06 | 309 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Aug 16, 07:23 | 7047 | 0.0006 | 665 | 673 | 98.13 | 98.06 | 310 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Aug 16, 20:10 | 6884 | 0.0006 | 502 | 510 | 94.74 | 98.06 | 301 | 06:42 | | | 2013 Aug 17, 17:12 | 6966 | 0.0032 | 565 | 610 | 96.43 | 97.70 | 306 | 06:43 | | | 2013 Aug 19, 20:20 | 6966 | 0.0032 | 565 | 610 | 96.43 | 97.70 | 299 | 06:43 | | | 2013 Aug 20, 07:35 | 6961 | 0.0032 | 560 | 605 | 96.32 | 97.70 | 297 | 06:43 | | | 2014 Apr 12, 21:11 | 6959 | 0.0031 | 559 | 603 | 96.29 | 97.68 | 227 | 06:39 | | | 2014 Apr 13, 03:37 | 6977 | 0.0046 | 567 | 630 | 96.66 | 97.69 | 187 | 06:39 | | | 2014 Apr 14, 12:33 | 7010 | 0.0019 | 619 | 646 | 97.36 | 97.68 | 280 | 06:38 | | | 2014 May 09, 04:55 | 6998 | 0.0040 | 592 | 648 | 97.10 | 97.69 | 170 | 06:35 | | | 2014 May 10, 09:37 | 6986 | 0.0019 | 595 | 621 | 96.85 | 97.68 | 168 | 06:35 | | | 2014 May 11, 00:32 | 6973 | 0.0036 | 569 | 620 | 96.58 | 97.68 | 145 | 06:35 | | | 2014 May 13, 04:03 | 6965 | 0.0036 | 561 | 612 | 96.41 | 97.67 | 128 | 06:35 | | | 2023 Feb 12, 16:23 | 7045 | 0.0008 | 661 | 672 | 98.08 | 98.06 | 71 | 05:18 | | | Shiyan 7 sub-satellite 2013-037J 39357 |
in space
|
| Released 2013 Oct 18 from Payload A and being used as a tracking/station-keeping target. it may also, on several occasions, have been captured by a manipulator arm aboard Shiyan 7. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2013 Oct 19, 19:59 | 7046 | 0.0010 | 661 | 675 | 98.10 | 98.05 | 79 | 06:42 | | | 2023 Feb 12, 10:46 | 7042 | 0.0010 | 657 | 671 | 98.02 | 98.04 | 73 | 05:23 | | |
2013-057 CZ 4B
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2013 Oct 25, 03:50 | Shijian 16-01 (Practice 16-01) 2013-057A 39358 |
in space
|
| Mission described as being for "space environment exploration and technological experiments". The inclination is a new one for China. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | | |
| 2013 Oct 25, 12:59 | 6987 | 0.0011 | 601 | 617 | 96.87 | 74.98 | 223 | | | | 2023 Feb 13, 09:40 | 6987 | 0.0020 | 595 | 622 | 96.86 | 74.98 | 298 | | | |
2014-014 CZ 2C
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2014 Mar 31, 02:46 | Shijian 11-06 (Practice 11-06) 2014-014A 39624 |
in space
|
| Reported as an "experimental satellite". The orbit, and images of one of its predecessors, indicate that it has an Earth observation rôle. Launch time is an estimate based on the local time at the Descending Node and is ±1 minute. China announced a time of 02:58 UTC but it probably represents when the satellite separated from the launch vehicle. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2014 Apr 01, 02:53 | 7074 | 0.0012 | 688 | 704 | 98.69 | 98.26 | 212 | 09:02 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 10:09 | 7073 | 0.0014 | 685 | 705 | 98.67 | 98.10 | 209 | 08:40 | | |
2014-059 CZ 2C
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2014 Sep 28, 05:13 | Shijian 11-07 (Practice 11-07) 2014-059A 40261 |
in space
|
| Reported as an "experimental satellite". The orbit, and images of one of its predecessors, indicate that it has an Earth observation rôle. Launch was brought forward from Sep 29 because of forecast high winds in the launch area. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2014 Sep 28, 12:53 | 7074 | 0.0013 | 687 | 705 | 98.69 | 98.12 | 198 | 11:30 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 10:33 | 7069 | 0.0012 | 682 | 699 | 98.58 | 98.11 | 28 | 10:57 | | |
2014-066 CZ 2C
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2014 Oct 27, 06:59 | Shijian 11-08 (Practice 11-08) 2014-066A 40286 |
in space
|
| Reported as an "experimental satellite". The orbit, and images of one of its predecessors, indicate that it has an Earth observation rôle. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2014 Oct 27, 09:43 | 7074 | 0.0013 | 687 | 705 | 98.69 | 98.22 | 201 | 13:15 | | | 2023 Feb 13, 11:06 | 7063 | 0.0014 | 675 | 695 | 98.46 | 98.19 | 95 | 13:38 | | |
2016-023 CZ 2D
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2016 Apr 5, 17:38 | Shijian 10 (Practice 10) 2016-023A 41448 |
Re-entered - 2016 Apr 18
Life 13 days
Returned to Earth |
| Recoverable science satellite carrying 19 microgravity and biological experiments. The mission was jointly developed by 11 institutes of the China Academy of Sciences, together with six Chinese universities, the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Following retro-fire and re-entry, the descent module touched down in the Siziwang Banner of Inner Mongolia (the Shenzhou landing zone) Apr 18 at 08:30 UTC. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | | |
| 2016 Apr 06, 01:00 | 6629 | 0.0026 | 234 | 268 | 89.53 | 42.89 | 315 | | | | 2016 Apr 09, 08:08 | 6628 | 0.0025 | 233 | 266 | 89.50 | 42.89 | 338 | | | | 2016 Apr 10, 03:21 | 6634 | 0.0025 | 239 | 272 | 89.62 | 42.89 | 5 | | | | 2016 Apr 13, 06:16 | 6632 | 0.0024 | 238 | 270 | 89.59 | 42.90 | 29 | | | | 2016 Apr 14, 00:00 | 6636 | 0.0018 | 246 | 270 | 89.66 | 42.89 | 30 | | | | 2016 Apr 16, 05:50 | 6635 | 0.0017 | 245 | 268 | 89.64 | 42.89 | 47 | | | | 2016 Apr 16, 18:59 | 6639 | 0.0011 | 253 | 269 | 89.73 | 42.90 | 40 | | | | Shijian 10 service module 2016-023E 41455 |
Re-entered - 2016 Jul 1
Life 87 days
|
| Left in orbit by Shijian 10 when it returned to Earth - some of its experiments continued to operate until the chemical battery died. Orbit raised Apr 22 and continued to conduct minor thruster firings until early-May. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | | |
| 2016 Apr 18, 15:51 | 6639 | 0.0012 | 253 | 269 | 89.73 | 42.89 | 48 | | | | 2016 Apr 22, 02:10 | 6638 | 0.0011 | 252 | 267 | 89.70 | 42.90 | 74 | | | | 2016 Apr 22, 19:51 | 6659 | 0.0041 | 254 | 308 | 90.14 | 42.89 | 63 | | | |
2016-043 CZ 4B
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2016 Jun 29, 03:21 | Shijian 16-02 (Practice 16-02) 2016-043A 41634 |
in space
|
| Described as "conducting spacial environment detection and technological experiments". It may actually be an ELINT (electronic intelligence gathering) satellite. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | | |
| 2016 Jun 30, 01:24 | 6984 | 0.0014 | 596 | 616 | 96.81 | 75.00 | 233 | | | | 2023 Feb 13, 10:08 | 6985 | 0.0007 | 602 | 612 | 96.84 | 75.00 | 127 | | | |
2016-065 CZ 5 + YZ-2
Wenchang Space Centre | 2016 Nov 3, 12:43 | Shijian 17 (Practice 17) 2016-065A 41838 |
in space
|
| Technology demonstration satellite carried on the first flight of the CZ-5 heavy lift launcher. Includes communications equiment and an imaging system to identify orbital debris. It has occupied several different locations around the geosynchronous belt, most of them close to Chinese-owned communications satellites, indicating that Shjian 17's purpose may be monitor the activities of other satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | GEO
Longitude | |
| 2016 Nov 03, 18:15 | 24400 | 0.7296 | 220 | 35824 | 632.19 | 19.51 | 180 | | | | 2016 Nov 04, 21:56 | 43731 | 0.0333 | 35898 | 38809 | 1516.88 | 0.33 | 148 | | | | 2016 Nov 11, 17:42 | 42234 | 0.0008 | 35820 | 35891 | 1439.62 | 0.76 | 136 | 163° east | | | 2016 Nov 20, 17:21 | 42164 | 0.0004 | 35768 | 35803 | 1436.05 | 0.80 | 153 | 163° east | | | 2017 Apr 25, 17:56 | 42166 | 0.0009 | 35749 | 35826 | 1436.16 | 0.07 | 31 | 163° east | | | 2017 Apr 27, 21:26 | 42194 | 0.0003 | 35806 | 35827 | 1437.61 | 0.07 | 63 | 162° east | | | 2017 May 06, 14:16 | 42219 | 0.0003 | 35829 | 35853 | 1438.87 | 0.09 | 197 | 158° east | | | 2017 Jun 21, 09:23 | 42168 | 0.0001 | 35785 | 35795 | 1436.25 | 0.18 | 332 | 125° east | | | 2017 Sep 29, 14:02 | 42166 | 0.0001 | 35785 | 35791 | 1436.17 | 0.19 | 261 | 125° east | | | 2017 Sep 30, 15:01 | 42218 | 0.0001 | 35838 | 35843 | 1438.84 | 0.19 | 224 | 124° east | | | 2017 Oct 10, 20:36 | 42165 | 0.0001 | 35782 | 35792 | 1436.11 | 0.21 | 357 | 118° east | | | 2018 Jan 10, 22:37 | 42166 | 0.0001 | 35785 | 35790 | 1436.14 | 0.42 | 346 | 118° east | | | 2018 Jan 13, 13:51 | 41951 | 0.0024 | 35471 | 35674 | 1425.18 | 0.42 | 342 | 120° east | | | 2018 Jan 25, 11:02 | 42180 | 0.0063 | 35535 | 36069 | 1436.87 | 2.24 | 9 | 153° east | | | 2018 Jan 26, 23:02 | 42022 | 0.0012 | 35594 | 35693 | 1428.79 | 3.95 | 25 | 156° east | | | 2018 Mar 18, 22:49 | 42312 | 0.0016 | 35867 | 36001 | 1443.62 | 4.04 | 69 | 40° east | | | 2018 May 06, 23:54 | 42201 | 0.0002 | 35816 | 35830 | 1437.95 | 4.14 | 114 | 106° east | | | 2018 May 08, 23:24 | 42164 | 0.0005 | 35767 | 35805 | 1436.05 | 4.14 | 274 | 106° east | | | 2018 Jun 04, 12:04 | 42167 | 0.0009 | 35751 | 35826 | 1436.19 | 4.20 | 204 | 104° east | | | 2018 Jun 06, 21:22 | 42208 | 0.0009 | 35794 | 35866 | 1438.32 | 4.20 | 138 | 103° east | | | 2018 Jun 28, 15:04 | 42187 | 0.0006 | 35783 | 35834 | 1437.22 | 4.24 | 176 | 94° east | | | 2018 Jun 30, 15:05 | 42165 | 0.0003 | 35772 | 35801 | 1436.09 | 4.25 | 231 | 94° east | | | 2018 Jul 17, 23:28 | 42164 | 0.0004 | 35768 | 35805 | 1436.07 | 4.28 | 221 | 94° east | | | 2018 Aug 31, 14:59 | 42165 | 0.0002 | 35777 | 35797 | 1436.12 | 0.11 | 49 | 94° east | | | 2019 Jul 31, 18:15 | 42166 | 0.0002 | 35779 | 35796 | 1436.14 | 0.86 | 15 | 94° east | | | 2019 Nov 07, 17:12 | 42224 | 0.0013 | 35793 | 35899 | 1439.12 | 1.09 | 69 | 94° east | | | 2019 Nov 09, 17:58 | 42259 | 0.0008 | 35848 | 35913 | 1440.90 | 1.10 | 116 | 91° east | | | 2019 Nov 18, 18:55 | 42165 | 0.0002 | 35781 | 35793 | 1436.12 | 0.14 | 175 | 84° east | | | 2019 Nov 19, 22:57 | 42165 | 0.0002 | 35781 | 35793 | 1436.11 | 0.14 | 164 | 84° east | | | 2019 Nov 23, 18:58 | 42134 | 0.0004 | 35738 | 35773 | 1434.50 | 0.13 | 218 | 85° east | | | 2019 Nov 26, 19:30 | 42070 | 0.0005 | 35669 | 35715 | 1431.25 | 0.12 | 163 | 86° east | | | 2019 Dec 18, 17:25 | 42122 | 0.0007 | 35714 | 35775 | 1433.93 | 0.07 | 358 | 113° east | | | 2019 Dec 24, 20:24 | 42164 | 0.0003 | 35773 | 35798 | 1436.06 | 0.06 | 32 | 115° east | | | 2020 Apr 08, 20:36 | 42048 | 0.0028 | 35553 | 35787 | 1430.15 | 0.08 | 240 | 116° east | | | 2020 Apr 09, 15:03 | 41928 | 0.0002 | 35544 | 35557 | 1424.03 | 0.08 | 346 | 118° east | | | 2020 Apr 25, 18:08 | 42165 | 0.0002 | 35777 | 35797 | 1436.10 | 0.12 | 337 | 163° east | | | 2020 Aug 08, 21:04 | 42165 | 0.0004 | 35771 | 35802 | 1436.09 | 0.36 | 36 | 163° east | | | 2020 Aug 09, 14:30 | 42214 | 0.0006 | 35810 | 35863 | 1438.64 | 0.36 | 40 | 163° east | | | 2020 Aug 12, 15:09 | 42247 | 0.0012 | 35817 | 35920 | 1440.28 | 0.37 | 10 | 161° east | | | 2020 Sep 14, 07:34 | 42200 | 0.0007 | 35790 | 35853 | 1437.88 | 0.45 | 314 | 129° east | | | 2020 Oct 07, 16:52 | 42163 | 0.0003 | 35771 | 35800 | 1436.03 | 0.50 | 298 | 118° east | | | 2021 Mar 31, 10:32 | 42164 | 0.0006 | 35760 | 35812 | 1436.06 | 0.93 | 340 | 118° east | | | 2023 Feb 12, 15:26 | 42165 | 0.0004 | 35770 | 35804 | 1436.12 | 2.63 | 275 | 94° east | | |
2017-018 CZ 3B
Xichang Space Centre | 2017 Apr 12, 11:04 | Shijian 13 (Practice 13) 2017-018A 42662 |
in space
|
| High capacity Chinese comsat covering the mainland and coastal waters. Known as Shijian 13 during its test phase. Expected location 110°.5 east. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | GEO
Longitude | |
| 2017 Apr 12, 17:13 | 27371 | 0.7581 | 243 | 41744 | 751.11 | 20.96 | 179 | | | | 2017 Apr 25, 02:24 | 42165 | 0.0004 | 35768 | 35806 | 1436.11 | 0.07 | 144 | 111° east | | | 2023 Feb 12, 08:52 | 42165 | 0.0006 | 35760 | 35814 | 1436.12 | 0.08 | 168 | 111° east | | |
2017-F03 - failed to reach orbit CZ 5
Wenchang Space Centre | 2017 Jul 2, 11:23 | |
|
| Experimental communications satellite aimed at geosynchronous orbit. Lost when a first stage engine of the CZ-5 launch vehicle underperformed so the payload could not reach orbit. |
|
2019-097 CZ 5
Wenchang Space Centre | 2019 Dec 27, 12:45 | Shijian 20 (Practice 20) 2019-097A 44910 |
in space
|
| Reportedly a technology demonstration satellite tasked with conducting 84 in-orbit tests and experiments. Onboard equipment is likely related to intelligence-gathering. From 2020 Feb - 2020 Aug, it was co-located with TJS-3 (43874/2018-110A) at 88° east. Carried on the 'return to flight' mission of CZ 5 following its launch failure in 2018. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | GEO
Longitude | |
| 2019 Dec 27, 18:09 | 40305 | 0.8373 | 179 | 67674 | 1342.12 | 19.40 | 194 | | | | 2020 Jan 08, 02:48 | 42164 | 0.0005 | 35763 | 35808 | 1436.04 | 0.14 | 25 | 115° east | | | 2020 Apr 04, 22:23 | 42167 | 0.0007 | 35759 | 35818 | 1436.20 | 0.08 | 248 | 115° east | | | 2020 Apr 05, 21:23 | 41962 | 0.0004 | 35569 | 35598 | 1425.74 | 0.08 | 261 | 117° east | | | 2020 Apr 10, 06:11 | 42164 | 0.0002 | 35777 | 35795 | 1436.08 | 0.10 | 316 | 125° east | | | 2020 Aug 25, 15:11 | 42167 | 0.0009 | 35750 | 35827 | 1436.21 | 0.37 | 134 | 125° east | | | 2020 Aug 25, 17:22 | 42206 | 0.0019 | 35748 | 35908 | 1438.23 | 0.37 | 144 | 125° east | | | 2020 Aug 26, 12:14 | 42168 | 0.0029 | 35666 | 35914 | 1436.27 | 0.38 | 144 | 125° east | | | 2020 Dec 30, 13:25 | 42166 | 0.0027 | 35675 | 35901 | 1436.17 | 0.57 | 194 | 124° east | | | 2020 Dec 30, 20:07 | 42251 | 0.0007 | 35842 | 35903 | 1440.49 | 0.56 | 179 | 124° east | | | 2021 Feb 03, 10:09 | 42250 | 0.0008 | 35836 | 35907 | 1440.44 | 0.65 | 211 | 88° east | | | 2021 Feb 05, 08:39 | 42164 | 0.0005 | 35764 | 35808 | 1436.08 | 0.66 | 301 | 88° east | | | 2021 Jul 18, 13:11 | 42163 | 0.0018 | 35711 | 35859 | 1436.01 | 0.62 | 8 | 88° east | | | 2021 Jul 19, 20:55 | 42178 | 0.0014 | 35743 | 35857 | 1436.77 | 0.34 | 10 | 88° east | | | 2021 Jul 21, 12:39 | 42163 | 0.0008 | 35752 | 35818 | 1436.01 | 0.34 | 11 | 88° east | | | 2023 Feb 12, 14:53 | 42164 | 0.0003 | 35772 | 35801 | 1436.08 | 1.78 | 232 | 34° east | | |
2021-094 CZ 3B
Xichang Space Centre | 2021 Oct 24, 01:27 | Shijian 21 payload 1 (Practice 21) 2021-094A 49330 |
in space
|
| Test satellite described as "…demonstrating technologies to alleviate and neutralize space debris". Moved to geosynchronous drift orbit probably Oct 24 or 25. Until 2021 Dec 26, orbited alongside 2021-094C which it approached closely on several occasions. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | GEO
Longitude | |
| 2021 Oct 24, 05:50 | 24399 | 0.7293 | 226 | 35815 | 632.14 | 28.47 | 180 | | | | 2021 Nov 02, 17:15 | 42246 | 0.0002 | 35860 | 35875 | 1440.23 | 8.11 | 39 | 156° east | | | 2021 Dec 16, 15:11 | 42313 | 0.0012 | 35885 | 35986 | 1443.70 | 8.19 | 209 | 107° east | | | 2021 Dec 23, 13:33 | 42313 | 0.0012 | 35885 | 35986 | 1443.70 | 8.20 | 210 | 94° east | | | 2021 Dec 24, 10:17 | 42466 | 0.0006 | 36064 | 36111 | 1451.50 | 8.20 | 161 | 91° east | | | 2021 Dec 27, 02:54 | 42136 | 0.0101 | 35334 | 36182 | 1434.64 | 8.20 | 238 | 90° east | | | 2022 Jan 10, 18:00 | 42165 | 0.0094 | 35390 | 36184 | 1436.11 | 8.23 | 238 | 95° east | | | 2022 Jan 17, 20:53 | 42084 | 0.0114 | 35227 | 36185 | 1431.99 | 8.24 | 239 | 95° east | | | 2022 Jan 25, 04:53 | 43860 | 0.0320 | 36076 | 38887 | 1523.55 | 8.19 | 249 | | | | 2022 Jan 27, 07:38 | 42127 | 0.0109 | 35289 | 36210 | 1434.19 | 8.20 | 10 | 14° east | | | 2022 Nov 01, 20:55 | 42131 | 0.0109 | 35296 | 36210 | 1434.37 | 8.71 | 18 | 163° east | | | 2022 Nov 02, 14:36 | 42196 | 0.0093 | 35424 | 36211 | 1437.69 | 8.71 | 20 | 163° east | | | 2023 Jan 18, 21:21 | 42206 | 0.0095 | 35428 | 36227 | 1438.20 | 8.85 | 21 | 130° east | | | Shijian 21 payload 2 (Practice 21) 2021-094C 49382 |
in space
|
| Secondary satellite in the Shijian 21 mission. Appears to have separated from Shijian 21 on Nov 1 at around 15:00 UTC. On Nov 3, Space-Track gave it the name 'SJ-21 AKM' implying it is a rocket engine - the interpretation may be incorrect. Used its thrusters to make small orbital changes about two months after launch. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | GEO
Longitude | |
| 2021 Nov 02, 17:33 | 42246 | 0.0002 | 35860 | 35876 | 1440.26 | 8.12 | 27 | 156° east | | | 2021 Dec 15, 03:33 | 42264 | 0.0001 | 35880 | 35892 | 1441.18 | 8.19 | 292 | 110° east | | | 2021 Dec 20, 18:26 | 42314 | 0.0012 | 35887 | 35985 | 1443.73 | 8.20 | 209 | 99° east | | | 2021 Dec 24, 16:26 | 42467 | 0.0005 | 36066 | 36111 | 1451.56 | 7.48 | 143 | 90° east | | | 2023 Jan 19, 05:40 | 42465 | 0.0007 | 36059 | 36115 | 1451.48 | 8.92 | 171 | 37° east | | |
2021-122 CZ 4B
Jiuquan Space Centre | 2021 Dec 10, 00:11 | Shijian 6-05A (Practice 6-05A) 2021-122A 49961 |
in space
|
| One of a pair of related satellites in a dual launch, reportedly to carry out space environment monitoring and technology tests. The previous Shijian 6 mission was launched in 2010 from Taiyuan with a stated two year lifetime. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2021 Dec 10, 12:11 | 6839 | 0.0011 | 454 | 469 | 93.82 | 97.36 | 280 | 06:30 | | | 2021 Dec 22, 15:31 | 6843 | 0.0011 | 457 | 472 | 93.89 | 97.35 | 208 | 06:30 | | | 2022 Jan 07, 22:40 | 6842 | 0.0012 | 456 | 473 | 93.88 | 97.35 | 150 | 06:31 | | | 2023 Feb 12, 16:51 | 6894 | 0.0065 | 470 | 561 | 94.93 | 97.34 | 112 | 06:42 | | | Shijian 6-05B (Practice 6-05B) 2021-122B 49962 |
in space
|
| One of a pair of related satellites in a dual launch, reportedly to carry out space environment monitoring and technology tests. The previous Shijian 6 mission was launched in 2010 from Taiyuan with a stated two year lifetime. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | Desc Node
Local Time | |
| 2021 Dec 10, 12:12 | 6841 | 0.0010 | 457 | 470 | 93.86 | 97.36 | 265 | 06:30 | | | 2022 Jan 09, 13:48 | 6842 | 0.0012 | 456 | 473 | 93.88 | 97.36 | 145 | 06:31 | | | 2023 Feb 12, 16:49 | 6893 | 0.0043 | 485 | 545 | 94.93 | 97.34 | 275 | 06:42 | | |
2023-002 CZ 7A
Wenchang Space Centre | 2023 Jan 8, 22:00 | |
in space
|
| Test satellite described as "…scientific testing, technical verification". May be a satellite retrieval & disposal mission similar to Shijian 21 (49330/2021-094A) or may be a servicing/refuelling mission for Tianlian. Drifted around the GEO belt then settled close to Tianlian 1-03 (38730/2012-040A) on February 28. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | GEO
Longitude | |
| 2023 Jan 09, 08:07 | 24379 | 0.7298 | 209 | 35793 | 631.36 | 16.42 | 180 | | | | 2023 Jan 09, 14:27 | 24719 | 0.7063 | 883 | 35799 | 644.63 | 14.31 | 180 | | | | 2023 Jan 17, 15:46 | 42431 | 0.0001 | 36050 | 36057 | 1449.74 | 0.50 | 288 | 151° east | | | 2023 Jan 17, 19:16 | 42384 | 0.0012 | 35956 | 36055 | 1447.32 | 0.50 | 229 | 151° east | | | 2023 Jan 18, 15:03 | 42335 | 0.0032 | 35823 | 36092 | 1444.81 | 0.50 | 239 | 149° east | | | 2023 Jan 23, 16:46 | 42411 | 0.0015 | 35968 | 36096 | 1448.67 | 0.52 | 233 | 137° east | | | 2023 Jan 29, 23:28 | 42362 | 0.0004 | 35967 | 36000 | 1446.18 | 0.53 | 246 | 118° east | | | 2023 Feb 01, 10:44 | 42329 | 0.0004 | 35934 | 35967 | 1444.48 | 0.54 | 51 | 112° east | | | 2023 Feb 06, 10:42 | 42296 | 0.0010 | 35876 | 35960 | 1442.81 | 0.55 | 64 | 102° east | | | 2023 Feb 07, 21:15 | 42301 | 0.0009 | 35885 | 35960 | 1443.06 | 0.55 | 59 | 100° east | | | 2023 Feb 08, 10:30 | 42351 | 0.0005 | 35952 | 35993 | 1445.60 | 0.56 | 309 | 99° east | | | 2023 Feb 08, 21:29 | 42489 | 0.0029 | 35987 | 36235 | 1452.69 | 0.56 | 13 | 97° east | | | 2023 Feb 14, 16:59 | 42489 | 0.0030 | 35986 | 36237 | 1452.72 | 0.57 | 13 | 73° east | | | 2023 Feb 19, 09:44 | 42512 | 0.0024 | 36031 | 36237 | 1453.87 | 0.58 | 14 | 54° east | | | 2023 Feb 27, 14:16 | 42211 | 0.0013 | 35777 | 35889 | 1438.48 | 0.61 | 6 | 20° east | | | 2023 Feb 28, 12:54 | 42165 | 0.0005 | 35764 | 35809 | 1436.10 | 0.61 | 340 | 20° east | | | unidentified object 2023-002C 55180 |
in space
|
| Separated from Shijian 23 on January 16 at around 21:30 UTC. No further information at this time. A similar item accompanied Shijian 21 (49330/2021-094A) and was used as a practice rendezvous target. May be the propulsion stage that transferred Shijian 23 to GEO drift orbit. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis
( km ) | ecc | perigee
( km ) | apogee
( km ) | period
( min ) | incl
( ° ) | ω
( ° ) | GEO
Longitude | |
| 2023 Jan 19, 06:22 | 42422 | 0.0002 | 36036 | 36051 | 1449.24 | 0.50 | 291 | 146° east | | | 2023 Jan 23, 06:59 | 42422 | 0.0002 | 36037 | 36051 | 1449.26 | 0.52 | 277 | 133° east | | | 2023 Feb 12, 16:53 | 42424 | 0.0002 | 36037 | 36054 | 1449.34 | 0.57 | 277 | 66° east | | | 2023 Mar 11, 14:15 | 42422 | 0.0002 | 36033 | 36054 | 1449.24 | 0.64 | 292 | 23° west | | |
Page date: 2022 Mar 15
Orbits updated: 2023 Mar 22
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