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China in Space


Tyneside, UK
2024 Mar 28
Thursday, Day 88

Curated by:


















Sea Launches

Beginning 2019, China opened up a new class of launch using a floating platform in the Yellow Sea or East China Sea. The launch vehicle used is the CZ-11H.


Launch Process

The launch vehicle is carried in a launch tube, making it a self-contained launch system. Once mounted on the chosen ship or barge, it is taken, or towed, to the launch point. The tube is then moved to a vertical position and the launch takes place.

For launch, the CZ 11H is ejected from the launch tube by compressed air and the solid propellant first stage ignites once the whole vehicle has cleared the tube exit. It is a method derived from land mobile and submarine ballistic missile launches, necessary because the gas pressure generated by the rocket motor would be too great and would destroy the tube, seriously damaging whatever was carring it.

For safety, all crew are evacuated before countdown from the launch platform to a ship that serves as a launch control centre.


Launch Platform

The launch platform is placed at a location dictated (probably) by factors such as precise orbital inclination, orbits of satellites already in space, and location of the first stage drop zone in relation to shipping lanes.

As yet, no two launches have been from any single location.


List of Launches

2019-032
CZ 11H
Towed barge 'Tai Rui', Yellow Sea - 34°.9 N, 121.2 E
2019 Jun 5, 04:06
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03A (Jilin-1 GF03A)
2019-032A
44310
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite. Catalogue Number and designation subject to confirmation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2019 Jun 07, 08:1969450.001455757696.0044.99308
2022 May 01, 03:0369450.001156057596.0144.9874
Tianqi 3
2019-032B
44311
in space
6U Cubesat? - comsat providing messaging communication links from LEO including between Internet-connected items. Catalogue number and designation to be confirmed,

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2019 Jun 07, 11:3169440.001455657695.9844.98315
2022 May 01, 03:4669400.001355357195.8944.9873
Xiaoxiang-1 04
2019-032C
44312
in space
Full-color miniature remote sensing camera. Remote sensing imaging technology verification based on industrial lens + commercial high performance detector. 7.2m resolution RGB remote sensing camera

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2019 Jun 07, 09:5569440.001455657695.9844.99317
2022 May 01, 03:1169390.001255357095.8844.9972
Tianxiang 1
2019-032D
44313
in space
Test satellite to demonstrate Ka-band communications in space. Catalogue Number and designation subject to confirmation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2019 Jun 07, 09:5469440.001555557695.9745.00315
2022 May 01, 04:2869380.001455156995.8645.0069
Tianxiang 2
2019-032E
44314
in space
Test satellite to demonstrate Ka-band communications in space. Catalogue Number and designation subject to confirmation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2019 Jun 07, 11:3069430.001655457695.9744.99314
2022 May 01, 03:0469390.001455157195.8844.9972
Bufeng 1A (Wind Catcher 1A)
2019-032F
44315
in space
Small satellite to monitor ocean wind fields and wave heights/patterns to improve typhoon monitoring. Its detectors use reflected MEO navsat transmissions to measure wave height and speed. Catalogue Number and designation subject to confirmation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2019 Jun 07, 08:1769420.001755257695.9344.98317
2022 May 01, 03:0969370.001654856995.8344.9882
Bufeng 1B (Wind Catcher 1C)
2019-032G
44316
in space
Small satellite to monitor ocean wind fields and wave heights/patterns to improve typhoon monitoring. Its detectors use reflected MEO navsat transmissions to measure wave height and speed. Catalogue Number and designation subject to confirmation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2019 Jun 07, 11:3169450.001355757696.0044.99307
2022 May 01, 02:4169450.001655657896.0144.9862


2020-065
CZ 11H
Self propelled barge 'De Bo 3', Yellow Sea - 34°.3 N, 123°.8 E
2020 Sep 15, 01:23
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03B 01 (Jilin-1 GF03B 01)
2020-065A
46454
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite. 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
2020 Sep 15, 05:5669180.001053254795.4397.5427809:21
2022 May 01, 03:3269110.001652254495.3097.454809:03
2023 Feb 13, 12:1869020.001551453495.1197.4112508:49
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03B 02 (Jilin-1 GF03B 02)
2020-065B
46455
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite.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
2020 Sep 15, 05:5769170.001253054795.4197.5229609:21
2022 May 01, 03:1769110.001552254495.3097.456209:01
2023 Feb 13, 11:5469020.001451453495.1197.4113908:47
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03B 03 (Jilin-1 GF03B 03)
2020-065C
46456
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite. 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
2020 Sep 15, 05:5769160.001253054795.4197.5329509:21
2022 May 01, 03:0069110.001452354395.3097.466309:04
2023 Feb 13, 11:3969020.001251553395.1197.4214008:51
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03B 04 (Jilin-1 GF03B 04)
2020-065D
46457
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite. 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
2020 Sep 15, 05:5769160.001153154695.4197.5329609:21
2022 May 01, 03:1069110.001552354395.3097.456809:03
2023 Feb 13, 12:0269020.001351553395.1297.4114308:49
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03B 05 (Jilin-1 GF03B 05)
2020-065E
46458
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite. 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
2020 Sep 15, 05:5669160.001352954795.4097.5229909:21
2022 May 01, 02:3769110.001552354395.3097.445909:01
2023 Feb 13, 11:3169020.001451553495.1197.4113408:46
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03B 06 (Jilin-1 GF03B 06)
2020-065F
46459
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite. 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
2020 Sep 15, 05:5669160.001352854795.4097.5329909:21
2022 May 01, 02:4669110.001652254495.3097.466109:05
2023 Feb 13, 11:2569020.001551453495.1197.4213908:52
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03C 01 (Jilin-1 GF03C 01)
2020-065G
46460
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite using video. 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
2020 Sep 15, 05:5669160.001352954795.3997.5229609:21
2022 May 01, 02:3069110.001552354395.3097.456009:02
2023 Feb 13, 11:1969020.001451553495.1297.4113608:47
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03C 02 (Jilin-1 GF03C 02)
2020-065H
46461
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite using video. 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
2020 Sep 15, 05:5669160.001352954695.3997.5329509:21
2022 May 01, 03:4269110.001552354495.3097.465409:05
2023 Feb 13, 12:4069020.001451453495.1197.4212908:52
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03C 03 (Jilin-1 GF03C 03)
2020-065J
46462
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite using video. 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
2020 Sep 15, 05:5669150.001352854695.3997.5329709:21
2022 May 01, 03:3569110.001452354395.3097.455809:03
2023 Feb 13, 12:3669020.001451553495.1197.4113308:49


2022-046
CZ 11H
Towed barge 'Tai Rui', East China Sea - 32°.2 N, 123°.8 E
2022 Apr 30, 03:30
Jilin-1 High Resolution 04A 01 (Jilin-1 GF4A 01)
2022-046A
52388
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2022 May 01, 09:2569170.001253054795.4197.5328411:20
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03D 07 (Jilin-1 GF3D 07)
2022-046B
52389
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2022 May 01, 09:2569160.001053154595.4097.5428411:20
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03D 06 (Jilin-1 GF3D 06)
2022-046C
52390
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2022 May 01, 09:2569160.001252954695.3997.5328411:20
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03D 05 (Jilin-1 GF3D 05)
2022-046D
52391
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2022 May 01, 22:1569150.001352854695.3897.5528811:20
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03D 04 (Jilin-1 GF3D 04)
2022-046E
52392
in space
Chinese high resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2022 May 01, 20:5269150.001452754695.3897.5428711:20


2022-126
CZ 11H
Mobile Floating Platform, Yellow Sea - 36°.6 N, 121°.2 E
2022 Oct 7, 13:10
Centispace-1 S5
2022-126A
54020
in space
Satellite for a LEO navigation enhancement system being developed by Beijing Future Navigation Technology Co Ltd. Satellite developed by the Microsatellite Innovation Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Will also be used to test the Beidou system and to test an inter-satellite laser communication system.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Oct 07, 19:1170780.001369170998.7855.00295
Centispace-1 S6
2022-126B
54021
in space
Satellite for a LEO navigation enhancement system being developed by Beijing Future Navigation Technology Co Ltd. Satellite developed by the Microsatellite Innovation Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Will also be used to test the Beidou system and to test an inter-satellite laser communication system.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Oct 07, 16:0770780.001568971098.7655.00293


2022-167
Jielong 3 (Smart Dragon 3, Y2)
Mobile Floating Platform, Yellow Sea - 37°.3 N, 123°.7 E
2022 Dec 9, 06:35
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03D 44 (Jilin-1 GF3D 44)
2022-167A
54682
in space
High resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite. Carries an amateur radio payload.

One of four similar satellites carried on this launch, all are in similar orbits.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2022 Dec 10, 06:0769190.001353155095.4597.5426214:41
CAS 5A
2022-167C
54684
in space
6U Cubesat carrying an amateur radio payload.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Dec 10, 13:5169180.001353154995.4597.54262
Fengtai 2
2022-167xx
in space
Small scientific satellite carrying a microgravity experiment. May be a Cubesat.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
estimated orbit69160.001352954795.4097.54278
Golden Bauhinia 1-05 (Jinzijing 1-05)
2022-167xx
in space
Satellite from the Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group for a future constellation of 165 LEO remote sensing satellites equipped with optical and radar imagers.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
estimated orbit69160.001352954795.4097.5427814:41
Golden Bauhinia 1-06 (Jinzijing 1-06)
2022-167xx
in space
Satellite from the Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group for a future constellation of 165 LEO remote sensing satellites equipped with optical and radar imagers.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
estimated orbit69160.001352954795.4097.5427814:41
Head 2H (Jiaotong 5)
2022-167xx
in space
Application satellite from Head Aerospace in the Skywalker constellation, carrying a VDES, enhanced AIS receiver for ship-shore communications, and providing communications between internet-connected devices.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
estimated orbit69160.001352954795.4097.54278
Jilin-1 High Resolution 03D 47 (Jilin-1 GF3D 47)
2022-167xx
in space
High resolution, multi-spectral imaging satellite.

One of four similar satellites carried on this launch, all are in similar orbits.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
estimated orbit69160.001352954795.4097.5427814:41
Jilin-1 Platform 01 A01 (Jilin-1 P01 A01)
2022-167xx
in space
Imaging satellite, also carries a payload to improve navigation accuracy of systems on the ground.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
estimated orbit69160.001352954795.4097.5427814:41
Tianqi 7
2022-167xx
in space
Comsat providing messaging communication links from LEO including between Internet-connected items.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
estimated orbit69160.001352954795.4097.54278


2023-135
Ceres 1S (Gushenxing 1S Y-10)
Mobile Floating Platform, Yellow Sea - 36°.6 N, 121°.2 E
2023 Sep 5, 09:34
Tianqi 21
2023-135A
57792
in space
Comsat providing messaging communication links from LEO including between Internet-connected items.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2023 Sep 05, 16:0471730.0011787802100.7649.97304
Tianqi 22
2023-135B
57793
in space
Comsat providing messaging communication links from LEO including between Internet-connected items.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2023 Sep 05, 16:0471720.0012786802100.7549.96308
Tianqi 23
2023-135C
57794
in space
Comsat providing messaging communication links from LEO including between Internet-connected items.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2023 Sep 05, 16:0471720.0012785802100.7449.97310
Tianqi 24
2023-135D
57795
in space
Comsat providing messaging communication links from LEO including between Internet-connected items.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2023 Sep 05, 16:0471720.0012785802100.7449.97307


2023-190
Jielong 3 (Smart Dragon 3, Y1)
Mobile Floating Platform, South China Sea near 21°.5 N, 112°.0 E
2023 Dec 5, 19:24
Internet Connectivity Test Satellite 6
2023-190A
58505
in space
Test/demonstrator satellite for a broadband internet communications system.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2023 Dec 05, 22:1472910.0012904922103.2686.49300


2023-206
CZ 11H
Mobile Floating Platform, South China Sea near 21°.5 N, 112°.0 E
2023 Dec 25, 22:39
Shiyan 24C-01 (Test 24C-01)
2023-206A
58650
in space
Small satellite carrying an unspecified demonstration payload, one of three carried on the same launch.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2023 Dec 26, 03:0169270.000954255595.6297.3328705:59
2024 Jan 07, 03:2069250.001054055495.5897.3422505:57
Shiyan 24C-02 (Test 24C-02)
2023-206B
58651
in space
Small satellite carrying an unspecified demonstration payload, one of three carried on the same launch.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2023 Dec 26, 02:5769250.000954155395.5997.3430005:59
2024 Jan 07, 03:1969250.000954155395.5897.3425005:57
Shiyan 24C-03 (Test 24C-03)
2023-206C
58652
in space
Small satellite carrying an unspecified demonstration payload, one of three carried on the same launch.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2023 Dec 26, 03:0169250.001154055495.5997.3329405:59
2024 Jan 07, 03:2069250.001054055495.5997.3324705:57


2024-009
Gravity 1
Mobile Floating Platform, Yellow Sea - 36°.6 N, 121°.2 E
2024 Jan 11, 05:30
Yunyao-1 18
2024-009A
58758
in space
Small satellite from the China's Tianjin Yunyao Aerospace Technology Co with an imaging meteorological payload.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2024 Jan 11, 10:0568670.001447949894.3849.98284
Yunyao-1 19
2024-009B
58759
in space
Small satellite from the China's Tianjin Yunyao Aerospace Technology Co with an imaging meteorological payload.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2024 Jan 11, 10:0568670.001547849994.3849.99290
Yunyao-1 20
2024-009C
58760
in space
Small satellite from the China's Tianjin Yunyao Aerospace Technology Co with an imaging meteorological payload.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2024 Jan 11, 10:0568660.001547849894.3749.99293



Page date: 2022 May 01
Details updated: 2024 Jan 30

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