PLA
Spacecraft · China
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Chinese agency overseeing development of spacecraft. People's Liberation Army, China.
Related
Chronology
2 events
1990
Launch Site: Taiyuan. Launch Vehicle: DF-11.2004 April 18
15:59 GMT - . Launch Site: Xichang. Launch Complex: Xichang LC1. Launch Pad: LC1?. LV Family: CZ. Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng 2C.- Unannounced Chinese satellite? - .
Mass: 500 kg (1,100 lb). Nation: China.
Agency: PLA.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military Radarsat. Decay Date: 2004-08-21 . USAF Sat Cat: 28223 . COSPAR: 2004-012D. Apogee: 532 km (330 mi). Perigee: 339 km (210 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 93.30 min.
The announced mass of the two satellites launched was far less than the payload capability of the CZ-2C. It was believed that an unannounced military satellite may have been orbited. Object 2004-12D was in a much lower perigee orbit of 350 x 606 km x 97 deg and may have separated prior to second stage vernier cutoff.