Military
NORAD ID: 38354
Int'l Code: 2012-029A
Perigee: 1,207.6 km
Apogee: 1,214.4 km
Inclination: 100.2 °
Period: 109.5 minutes
Semi major axis: 7581 km
Launch date: May 29, 2012
Source: People's Republic of China (PRC)
Comments: YAOGAN 15 is believed to be a surveillance satellite. The spacecraft will be used to conduct scientific experiments, carry out land surveys, monitor crop yields and aid in reducing and preventing natural disasters according to Xinhua. But Yaogan satellites are believed by independent experts to be military spacecraft with observation and surveillance sensors. Yaogan 15 may carry a radar payload designed for all-weather, day-and-night imaging of locations around the world. Other Yaogan satellites likely feature advanced high-resolution optical cameras.
Two Line Element Set (TLE):
1 38354U 12029A 13169.41939054 -.00000043 00000-0 00000+0 0 1766
2 38354 100.1756 293.6427 0004475 103.8373 256.3245 13.15005211 50611
Source: AFSPC
NASA's NSSDC Master Catalog entry for YAOGAN 15
