TIANLIAN 1-03

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TIANLIAN 1-03 is classified as:

Geostationary

NORAD ID: 38730

Int'l Code: 2012-040A

Perigee: 35,761.3 km

Apogee: 35,823.9 km

Inclination: 2.7 °

Period: 1,436.0 minutes

Semi major axis: 42163 km

RCS: 6.8578 m² (large)

Launch date: July 25, 2012
Source: People's Republic of China (PRC)
Launch site: Xichang Space Center, China (XSC)

TIANLIAN 1-03 is joining its two predecessors to realize global network operation after in-orbit validation and system coordination procedures are carried out. "The first data relay satellite, the Tianlian I-01, was launched in April 2008, and the second was launched in July 2011. The third satellite is expected to improve the network's coverage in providing measurement and control services for China's manned spacecraft as well as the planned construction of future space labs and space stations, according to the center. The network will also offer data relay services for the country's medium- and low-Earth orbits as well as measurement and control support for spacecraft launches. The two-satellite network had previously played a key role in assisting in two space docking missions—an automated one between the Tiangong-1 lab module and the Shenzhou-8 spacecraft in late 2011, and a manual docking between Tiangong-1 and Shenzhou-9 in June.