Yaogan
NORAD ID: 36834
Int'l Code: 2010-038A
Perigee: 627.1 km
Apogee: 629.7 km
Inclination: 97.9 °
Period: 97.3 minutes
Semi major axis: 7006 km
Launch date: August 9, 2010
Source: People's Republic of China (PRC)
Comments: YAOGAN 10 is a secret Chinese reconnaissance satellite. The state-run Xinhua news agency reported Yaogan 10 will conduct scientific experiments, carry out land surveys, estimate crop yields and help respond to natural disasters. But the Yaogan satellite is likely a military asset with a synthetic aperture radar system designed to observe locations in all weather and lighting conditions. Observers believe the Yaogan series, which began launching in 2006, is a new fleet of high-resolution optical and radar reconaissance satellites. Alternating launches from Taiyuan and the Jiuquan space base in northwestern China have orbited radar and electro-optical spy satellites. The most recent Yaogan launch in March included three spacecraft that are believed to be naval observation satellites. China announced Monday's launch about 24 hours in advance, a typical policy for most Chinese military payloads.
Two Line Element Set (TLE):
1 36834U 10038A 15063.10886767 .00000793 00000-0 11088-3 0 9994
2 36834 097.8849 060.2321 0001875 096.8643 263.2785 14.80300367246762
Source: AFSPC
NASA's NSSDC Master Catalog entry for YAOGAN 10
