YAOGAN 10

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10-day predictions
YAOGAN 10 is classified as:

NORAD ID: 36834

Int'l Code: 2010-038A

Perigee: 632.5 km

Apogee: 634.7 km

Inclination: 98.0 °

Period: 97.2 minutes

Semi major axis: 7004 km

RCS: 4.7552 m² (large)

Launch date: August 9, 2010
Source: People's Republic of China (PRC)
Launch site: Taiyaun Space Center, China (TSC)

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.