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Shijian - Technology Development satellites


Tyneside, UK
2025 May 16
Friday, Day 136

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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
1971 Mar 4, 05:0674260.1051    2681828106.1469.90191


1979-F02 - failed to reach orbit
Feng Bao 1
Jiuquan Space Centre
1979 Jul 27, 21:28
Shijian (Practice)
Possibly an initial attempt to launch the mission that was repeated as Shijian 2 (launch number 1981-093) in which case, three satellites were lost when the launch vehicle failed.


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
1981 Sep 21, 08:4271930.0798    2401389101.1859.47149
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
1981 Sep 21, 09:0873020.0943    2351612103.4959.47150
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. Orbit is reminiscent of the JSSW satellites, also launched using Feng Bao in the period 1973-1976.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
1981 Sep 21, 09:0672970.0938    2351603103.3959.47149


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
1994 Feb 19, 15:15245470.7327    18536154637.9228.63187
2023 Feb 12, 07:31152140.5582    34317329311.2628.941


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2007 Feb 21, 01:0872460.0022    853884102.3198.689204:39
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
1999 May 10, 16:1872340.0013    846865102.0598.7830808:36
1999 May 12, 10:5272370.0014    849869102.1198.8131708:36
1999 Jun 7, 04:4372350.0017    844869102.0798.7923508:35
2023 Feb 13, 02:4072290.0017    839863101.9498.9021508:29


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2004 Sep 11, 23:1069720.0007    58959996.5697.7433506:20
2006 Oct 26, 20:3969750.0019    58461096.6297.7231105:56
2013 Aug 22, 08:1469690.0017    57960396.5197.8133705:31
2023 Feb 12, 08:4069560.0011    57058696.2397.7034306:51
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2004 Sep 13, 15:3069760.0006    59360296.6497.7434806:20
2006 Oct 25, 04:4269750.0006    59260196.6297.7330805:56
2013 Aug 22, 08:1869700.0006    58859696.5197.8133205:32
2023 Feb 13, 11:4069600.0005    57858696.3197.7034106:50


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2005 Jul 6, 09:1869370.0017    54757095.8397.5832804:59
2005 Jul 27, 10:1969370.0015    54856995.8397.5825204:58
2005 Jul 28, 11:5369400.0010    55556895.8997.5826404:58
2005 Jul 30, 10:1769420.0008    55957095.9497.5727604:58
2023 Feb 12, 17:2469480.0031    54959296.0797.7323605:27


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2006 Sep 9, 20:4766910.0202    17844890.7962.99144


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2006 Oct 25, 00:4869750.0004    59460096.6297.714706:40
2008 Oct 29, 19:0769740.0004    59359996.6097.6910906:08
2013 Aug 22, 07:1569690.0005    58859496.5197.755705:08
2023 Feb 13, 09:0969530.0006    57157996.1697.764707:02
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2006 Oct 25, 13:4269770.0003    59660196.6697.718206:40
2008 Oct 29, 19:0469760.0003    59660096.6597.6913706:05
2013 Aug 22, 07:0469720.0004    59159696.5697.769805:03
2023 Feb 13, 11:3569620.0004    58158696.3597.7812107:02


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2008 Oct 26, 04:0469710.0018    58060596.5397.7429708:21
2010 Oct 11, 22:0769710.0015    58360396.5497.658907:51
2013 Aug 22, 07:5869710.0017    58160596.5497.5721006:19
2021 Dec 9, 22:1269610.0018    57159696.3497.8318004:15
2023 Feb 13, 05:3369540.0017    56458896.1997.8718804:43
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2008 Oct 26, 04:0469720.0016    58260596.5597.7429608:21
2010 Oct 11, 01:4469710.0019    58060696.5497.658107:51
2013 Aug 22, 07:5269680.0016    57860196.4797.5618806:23
2021 Dec 9, 21:4169600.0017    57059496.3197.8114204:18
2023 Feb 13, 14:0569570.0017    56759196.2597.8514704:42


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2009 Nov 12, 18:3970750.0010    69070398.7098.2827409:01
2023 Feb 13, 09:5570690.0010    68469898.5897.9326706:04


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2010 Jun 15, 09:0869640.0016    57559796.4097.7022607:57
2010 Jun 24, 15:0269680.0016    57960196.4897.6617507:57
2023 Feb 12, 16:1869480.0011    56257796.0597.7431204:46


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2010 Oct 16, 17:4369740.0013    58760696.6197.7627707:54
2013 Aug 22, 08:5069710.0016    58260496.5497.656507:12
2021 Dec 9, 21:1769630.0030    56460596.3797.744904:24
2023 Feb 13, 13:1169560.0029    55859796.2297.795304:32
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2010 Oct 8, 02:1369750.0012    58860596.6197.7632707:54
2013 Aug 22, 08:2769710.0014    58460396.5597.657907:11
2021 Dec 9, 21:5969650.0013    57859696.4197.755804:22
2023 Feb 13, 10:0069630.0013    57559496.3797.796404:28


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Jul 6, 08:5070750.0010    69070498.7198.2325410:44
2023 Feb 13, 10:4270670.0007    68469498.5597.8129505:47


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Aug 13, 02:4270750.0012    68870698.7198.1120513:58
2023 Feb 13, 08:5370650.0012    67869598.4998.4210820:05


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Oct 18, 16:2770170.0021    62465497.5098.0032610:30
2012 Oct 19, 08:2670140.0022    62165297.4498.0032610:30
2012 Oct 20, 05:1370100.0017    62064497.3598.0032510:30
2012 Oct 21, 07:3170140.0017    62464897.4498.0032410:30
2012 Oct 22, 21:0470150.0018    62464997.4597.9931810:30
2012 Oct 23, 11:4270150.0019    62365197.4698.0031610:30
2023 Feb 13, 09:4970060.0028    60964797.2797.5830506:20
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Oct 14, 21:1770140.0017    62464897.4398.0034710:29
2012 Oct 18, 15:4270150.0019    62465197.4697.9933210:30
2023 Feb 13, 11:1869990.0016    61063297.1297.5829307:06


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2013 Jul 19, 11:3870740.0011    68870498.7098.1020115:44
2023 Feb 13, 10:0970660.0012    68069798.5398.209316:35


2013-037
CZ 4C
Taiyuan Space Centre
2013 Jul 19, 23:37
Shiyan 7 (Test 7)
2013-037A
39208
in space
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2013 Jul 20, 05:3770450.0009    66167398.0898.062506:42
2013 Oct 15, 04:4470450.0010    66067498.0898.069106:42
2013 Oct 15, 12:5570460.0010    66067598.1098.068906:42
2023 Feb 12, 06:3470420.0010    65767198.0398.047505:22
Chuangxin 3 (Chuangxin 2?)
2013-037B
39209
in space
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 another 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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2013 Jul 20, 06:0270480.0005    66767398.1598.064806:42
2013 Aug 9, 10:0570480.0003    66867298.1598.0630806:42
2023 Feb 13, 10:3370410.0006    65966798.0098.056905:23
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2013 Jul 20, 06:0370470.0006    66467398.1298.064206:42
2013 Aug 1, 03:5870490.0003    66967398.1798.074706:42
2013 Aug 2, 04:3170510.0004    67067598.2098.064006:42
2013 Aug 3, 13:1770530.0002    67367698.2598.0628906:42
2013 Aug 8, 19:2470510.0003    67167598.2198.0631106:42
2013 Aug 9, 06:5070300.0001    65165397.7798.0631906:42
2013 Aug 9, 10:3970430.0023    64968298.0598.0835706:42
2013 Aug 9, 13:4970490.0010    66467898.1698.0524806:42
2013 Aug 9, 18:1670480.0003    66867298.1498.0630906:42
2013 Aug 16, 07:2370470.0006    66567398.1398.0631006:42
2013 Aug 16, 20:1068840.0006    50251094.7498.0630106:42
2013 Aug 17, 17:1269660.0032    56561096.4397.7030606:43
2013 Aug 19, 20:2069660.0032    56561096.4397.7029906:43
2013 Aug 20, 07:3569610.0032    56060596.3297.7029706:43
2014 Apr 12, 21:1169590.0031    55960396.2997.6822706:38
2014 Apr 13, 03:3769770.0046    56763096.6697.6918706:38
2014 Apr 14, 12:3370100.0019    61964697.3697.6828006:38
2014 May 9, 04:5569980.0040    59264897.1097.6917006:35
2014 May 10, 09:3769860.0019    59562196.8597.6816806:35
2014 May 11, 00:3269730.0036    56962096.5897.6814506:35
2014 May 13, 04:0369650.0036    56161296.4197.6712806:35
2023 Feb 12, 16:2370450.0008    66167298.0898.067105:18
Shiyan 7 sub-satellite
2013-037J
39357
in space
Released 2013 Oct 18 from Shiyan 7 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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2013 Oct 19, 19:5970460.0010    66167598.1098.057906:42
2023 Feb 12, 10:4670420.0010    65767198.0298.047305:23


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2013 Oct 25, 12:5969870.0011    60161796.8774.98223
2023 Feb 13, 09:4069870.0020    59562296.8674.98298


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2014 Apr 1, 02:5370740.0012    68870498.6998.2621209:02
2023 Feb 13, 10:0970730.0014    68570598.6798.1020908:40


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2014 Sep 28, 12:5370740.0013    68770598.6998.1219811:30
2023 Feb 13, 10:3370690.0012    68269998.5898.112810:57


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2014 Oct 27, 09:4370740.0013    68770598.6998.2220113:15
2023 Feb 13, 11:0670630.0014    67569598.4698.199513:38


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2016 Apr 6, 01:0066290.0026    23426889.5342.89315
2016 Apr 9, 08:0866280.0025    23326689.5042.89338
2016 Apr 10, 03:2166340.0025    23927289.6242.895
2016 Apr 13, 06:1666320.0024    23827089.5942.9029
2016 Apr 14, 00:0066360.0018    24627089.6642.8930
2016 Apr 16, 05:5066350.0017    24526889.6442.8947
2016 Apr 16, 18:5966390.0011    25326989.7342.9040
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2016 Apr 18, 15:5166390.0012    25326989.7342.8948
2016 Apr 22, 02:1066380.0011    25226789.7042.9074
2016 Apr 22, 19:5166590.0041    25430890.1442.8963


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2016 Jun 30, 01:2469840.0014    59661696.8175.00233
2023 Feb 13, 10:0869850.0007    60261296.8475.00127


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2016 Nov 3, 18:15244000.7296    22035824632.1919.51180
2016 Nov 4, 21:56437310.0333    35898388091516.880.33148
2016 Nov 11, 17:42422340.0008    35820358911439.620.76136163°.3 E
2016 Nov 20, 17:21421640.0004    35768358031436.050.80153163°.0 E
2017 Apr 25, 17:56421660.0009    35749358261436.160.0731162°.9 E
2017 Apr 27, 21:26421940.0003    35806358271437.610.0763162°.1 E
2017 May 6, 14:16422190.0003    35829358531438.870.09197158°.2 E
2017 Jun 21, 09:23421680.0001    35785357951436.250.18332125°.0 E
2017 Sep 29, 14:02421660.0001    35785357911436.170.19261124°.8 E
2017 Sep 30, 15:01422180.0001    35838358431438.840.19224124°.2 E
2017 Oct 10, 20:36421650.0001    35782357921436.110.21357118°.2 E
2018 Jan 10, 22:37421660.0001    35785357901436.140.42346118°.1 E
2018 Jan 13, 13:51419510.0024    35471356741425.180.42342
2018 Jan 25, 11:02421800.0063    35535360691436.872.249153°.3 E
2018 Jan 26, 23:02420220.0012    35594356931428.793.9525156°.3 E
2018 Mar 18, 22:49423120.0016    35867360011443.624.0469
2018 May 6, 23:54422010.0002    35816358301437.954.14114106°.2 E
2018 May 8, 23:24421640.0005    35767358051436.054.14274106°.0 E
2018 Jun 4, 12:04421670.0009    35751358261436.194.20204103°.5 E
2018 Jun 6, 21:22422080.0009    35794358661438.324.20138102°.6 E
2018 Jun 28, 15:04421870.0006    35783358341437.224.2417694°.4 E
2018 Jun 30, 15:05421650.0003    35772358011436.094.2523194°.3 E
2018 Jul 17, 23:28421640.0004    35768358051436.074.2822194°.2 E
2018 Aug 31, 14:59421650.0002    35777357971436.120.114994°.1 E
2019 Jul 31, 18:15421660.0002    35779357961436.140.861594°.2 E
2019 Nov 7, 17:12422240.0013    35793358991439.121.096993°.9 E
2019 Nov 9, 17:58422590.0008    35848359131440.901.10116
2019 Nov 18, 18:55421650.0002    35781357931436.120.1417583°.8 E
2019 Nov 19, 22:57421650.0002    35781357931436.110.1416483°.7 E
2019 Nov 23, 18:58421340.0004    35738357731434.500.1321884°.6 E
2019 Nov 26, 19:30420700.0005    35669357151431.250.1216386°.3 E
2019 Dec 18, 17:25421220.0007    35714357751433.930.07358112°.6 E
2019 Dec 24, 20:24421640.0003    35773357981436.060.0632115°.3 E
2020 Apr 8, 20:36420480.0028    35553357871430.150.08240115°.6 E
2020 Apr 9, 15:03419280.0002    35544355571424.030.08346
2020 Apr 25, 18:08421650.0002    35777357971436.100.12337163°.2 E
2020 Aug 8, 21:04421650.0004    35771358021436.090.3636163°.2 E
2020 Aug 9, 14:30422140.0006    35810358631438.640.3640162°.9 E
2020 Aug 12, 15:09422470.0012    35817359201440.280.3710
2020 Sep 14, 07:34422000.0007    35790358531437.880.45314129°.0 E
2020 Oct 7, 16:52421630.0003    35771358001436.030.50298117°.5 E
2021 Mar 31, 10:32421640.0006    35760358121436.060.93340117°.5 E
2023 Feb 12, 15:26421650.0004    35770358041436.122.6327594°.2 E


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2017 Apr 12, 17:13273710.7581    24341744751.1120.96179
2017 Apr 25, 02:24421650.0004    35768358061436.110.07144110°.5 E
2023 Feb 12, 08:52421650.0006    35760358141436.120.08168110°.5 E


2017-F03 - failed to reach orbit
CZ 5
Wenchang Space Centre
2017 Jul 2, 11:23
Shijian 18 (Practice 18)
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2019 Dec 27, 18:09403050.8373    179676741342.1219.40194
2020 Jan 8, 02:48421640.0005    35763358081436.040.1425115°.1 E
2020 Apr 4, 22:23421670.0007    35759358181436.200.08248115°.1 E
2020 Apr 5, 21:23419620.0004    35569355981425.740.08261
2020 Apr 10, 06:11421640.0002    35777357951436.080.10316125°.3 E
2020 Aug 25, 15:11421670.0009    35750358271436.210.37134125°.4 E
2020 Aug 25, 17:22422060.0019    35748359081438.230.37144125°.2 E
2020 Aug 26, 12:14421680.0029    35666359141436.270.38144125°.1 E
2020 Dec 30, 13:25421660.0027    35675359011436.170.57194124°.5 E
2020 Dec 30, 20:07422510.0007    35842359031440.490.56179
2021 Feb 3, 10:09422500.0008    35836359071440.440.65211
2021 Feb 5, 08:39421640.0005    35764358081436.080.6630187°.5 E
2021 Jul 18, 13:11421630.0018    35711358591436.010.62887°.5 E
2021 Jul 19, 20:55421780.0014    35743358571436.770.341087°.6 E
2021 Jul 21, 12:39421630.0008    35752358181436.010.341187°.5 E
2023 Feb 12, 14:53421640.0003    35772358011436.081.7823234°.0 E


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". Until 2021 Dec 26, orbited alongside 2021-094C which it approached closely on several occasions.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2021 Oct 24, 05:50243990.7293    22635815632.1428.47180
2021 Nov 2, 17:15422460.0002    35860358751440.238.1139
2021 Dec 16, 15:11423130.0012    35885359861443.708.19209
2021 Dec 23, 13:33423130.0012    35885359861443.708.20210
2021 Dec 24, 10:17424660.0006    36064361111451.508.20161
2021 Dec 27, 02:54421360.0101    35334361821434.648.2023890°.4 E
2022 Jan 10, 18:00421650.0094    35390361841436.118.2323895°.1 E
2022 Jan 17, 20:53420840.0114    35227361851431.998.2423995°.2 E
2022 Jan 25, 04:53438600.0320    36076388871523.558.19249
2022 Jan 27, 07:38421270.0109    35289362101434.198.201013°.6 E
2022 May 1, 20:38421160.0111    35272362051433.638.371365°.7 E
2022 Aug 1, 22:39421230.0110    35280362101433.988.5316120°.2 E
2022 Nov 1, 20:55421310.0109    35296362101434.378.7118163°.3 E
2022 Nov 2, 14:36421960.0093    35424362111437.698.7120163°.2 E
2023 Jan 18, 21:21422060.0095    35428362271438.208.8521129°.5 E
2023 Apr 1, 16:45422180.0096    35434362461438.818.982285°.6 E
2023 Jul 1, 08:15422090.0097    35422362411438.389.152526°.6 E
2023 Oct 1, 22:20421330.0079    35421360901434.509.322849°.1 E
2024 Jan 1, 14:09421310.0078    35422360831434.359.502989°.4 E
2024 Apr 1, 18:08421430.0080    35427361031434.989.6730122°.7 E
2024 Oct 1, 21:16421610.0078    35455361111435.9210.0136148°.9 E
2025 Jan 1, 18:09421670.0077    35466361121436.2210.1837149°.3 E
2025 Mar 5, 18:28421720.0077    35468361181436.4410.3038145°.6 E
2025 Mar 27, 20:33421730.0078    35467361231436.5410.3539143°.5 E
Shijian 21 payload 2 (Practice 21)
2021-094C
49382
in space
Secondary object in the Shijian 21 mission. Separated from Shijian 21 on Nov 1, probably around 15:00 UTC. On November 3, Space-Track gave it the name 'SJ-21 AKM' and classified it as a rocket body - the interpretation may be incorrect as it made small orbital changes about eight weeks after launch suggesting it was active at the time.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2021 Nov 2, 17:33422460.0002    35860358761440.268.1227
2021 Dec 15, 03:33422640.0001    35880358921441.188.19292
2021 Dec 20, 18:26423140.0012    35887359851443.738.20209
2021 Dec 24, 16:26424670.0005    36066361111451.567.48143
2023 Jan 19, 05:40424650.0007    36059361151451.488.92171


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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2021 Dec 10, 12:1168390.0011    45446993.8297.3628006:30
2021 Dec 22, 15:3168430.0011    45747293.8997.3520806:30
2022 Jan 7, 22:4068420.0012    45647393.8897.3515006:31
2023 Feb 12, 16:5168940.0065    47056194.9397.3411206:42
2024 Jan 6, 22:0369250.0001    54654895.5997.335905:57
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2021 Dec 10, 12:1268410.0010    45747093.8697.3626506:30
2022 Jan 9, 13:4868420.0012    45647393.8897.3614506:31
2023 Feb 12, 16:4968930.0043    48554594.9397.3427506:42
2024 Jan 6, 22:3269280.0001    54955195.6597.3212005:55


2023-002
CZ 7A
Wenchang Space Centre
2023 Jan 8, 22:00
Shijian 23 (Practice 23)
2023-002A
55131
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 1-03. Drifted around the GEO belt then settled close to Tianlian 1-03 (38730/2012-040A) at 20°.4 east on February 28. Started to drift away March 18 and stopped near 19°.8 east on March 29. Commenced move back towards Tianlian on Apr 15 but continued past it and started to drift eastwards away from it. Stopped near 174° east 2022 Oct 11.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2023 Jan 9, 08:07243790.7298    20935793631.3616.42180
2023 Jan 9, 14:27247190.7063    88335799644.6314.31180
2023 Jan 17, 15:46424310.0001    36050360571449.740.50288
2023 Jan 17, 19:16423840.0012    35956360551447.320.50229
2023 Jan 18, 15:03423350.0032    35823360921444.810.50239
2023 Jan 23, 16:46424110.0015    35968360961448.670.52233
2023 Jan 29, 23:28423620.0004    35967360001446.180.53246
2023 Feb 1, 10:44423290.0004    35934359671444.480.5451
2023 Feb 6, 10:42422960.0010    35876359601442.810.5564
2023 Feb 7, 21:15423010.0009    35885359601443.060.5559
2023 Feb 8, 10:30423510.0005    35952359931445.600.56309
2023 Feb 8, 21:29424890.0029    35987362351452.690.5613
2023 Feb 14, 16:59424890.0030    35986362371452.720.5713
2023 Feb 19, 09:44425120.0024    36031362371453.870.5814
2023 Feb 27, 14:16422110.0013    35777358891438.480.61620°.3 E
2023 Feb 28, 12:54421650.0005    35764358091436.100.6134020°.2 E
2023 Mar 18, 02:32421910.0011    35765358601437.430.6530320°.2 E
2023 Mar 19, 20:14421770.0012    35749358491436.730.6628719°.9 E
2023 Mar 22, 20:05421670.0008    35754358241436.220.6729619°.5 E
2023 Mar 23, 09:29421620.0008    35748358181435.930.6728619°.6 E
2023 Mar 29, 20:44421650.0007    35756358181436.120.6828619°.8 E
2023 Apr 14, 15:40421650.0007    35757358171436.120.7229019°.8 E
2023 Apr 15, 04:20421570.0009    35742358171435.720.7329019°.8 E
2023 Apr 16, 06:31421410.0001    35758357681434.900.7312120°.1 E
2023 Apr 16, 22:05421210.0001    35741357461433.880.7327620°.6 E
2023 Jun 8, 13:47420730.0000    35694356961431.400.8714453°.8 E
2023 Jun 9, 21:42419770.0023    35503356951426.530.8777
2023 Jul 2, 15:44420950.0002    35706357261432.510.9385106°.0 E
2023 Jul 10, 21:23421160.0000    35737357391433.600.95301113°.1 E
2023 Oct 4, 22:52421140.0006    35711357611433.501.17151168°.2 E
2023 Oct 5, 14:13420940.0009    35680357521432.481.17119168°.7 E
2023 Oct 11, 18:07421610.0008    35750358151435.901.19300174°.2 E
2023 Oct 12, 15:22421970.0001    35815358231437.751.18108174°.0 E
2023 Oct 19, 12:42421800.0003    35789358151436.891.20309171°.3 E
2023 Oct 19, 19:31421650.0001    35784357901436.111.2090171°.3 E
2023 Dec 4, 22:41422100.0000    35831358331438.421.3315171°.1 E
unidentified object
2023-002C
55180
in space
Separated from Shijian 23 on January 16 at around 21:30 UTC. 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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2023 Jan 19, 06:22424220.0002    36036360511449.240.50291


2024-177
CZ 2D
Jiuquan Space Centre
2024 Sep 27, 10:30
Shijian 19 (Practice 19)
2024-177A
61444
Re-entered - 2024 Oct 11
Life 14 days Returned to Earth
Reusable, recoverable, spacecraft used to verify the design and engineering of the vehicle. Also carried a payload of several micro-gravity experiment including contributions from Pakistan and Thailand. Retro-fire October 11 at about 01:55 UTC led to touchdown at the Dongfeng landing site, near the Jiuquan Space centre, at 02:39 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2024 Sep 27, 19:3667090.0013    32233991.1441.60275
2024 Sep 30, 17:1867130.0008    33034091.2441.61320
2024 Oct 9, 12:0867150.0007    33334291.2841.6027


2025-002
CZ 3B
Xichang Space Centre
2025 Jan 6, 20:00
Shijian 25 (Practice 25)
2025-002A
62485
in space
Verification mission for a satellite refuelling and life extension system, aimed to link up with a satellite already in geosynchronous orbit. Arrived alongside TJS 11 (59020. 2024-037A) on Jan 14, possibly to conduct station-keeping tests but its eventual target seems to be Shijian 21 (49330, 2021-094A) - the two orbits are co-planar.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2025 Jan 7, 11:32243880.7310    18235838631.7328.48180
2025 Jan 13, 19:03421950.0064    35546360881437.6410.21189120°.1 E
2025 Jan 14, 15:16421660.0059    35540360361436.1710.21185120°.0 E
2025 Jan 16, 08:07421690.0058    35547360341436.3010.21185119°.9 E
2025 Jan 16, 18:20421620.0057    35545360221435.9410.21184119°.9 E
2025 Mar 27, 20:57421630.0059    35535360341435.9810.35183119°.8 E




Page date: 2022 Mar 15
Latest Update: 2025 Mar 28

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