YAOGAN 20A

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YAOGAN 20A is classified as:

Yaogan

NORAD ID: 40109

Int'l Code: 2014-047A

Launch date: August 9, 2014
Source: People's Republic of China (PRC)
Launch site: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China (JSC)

YAOGAN 20A is one of the 3 satellites launched into orbit on August 9, 2014 on a clandestine mission that will likely serve Chinese intelligence and military organizations. Described by official sources as a single remote sensing satellite, the Yaogan 20 payload will be used to conduct scientific experiments, carry out land surveys, monitor crop yields and aid in preventing and reducing natural disasters, according to Xinhua. But U.S. military tracking data detected three satellites, plus the Long March rocket's upper stage, attributed to this launch from China. Western analysts believe the triplets have a naval surveillance mission. Satellites operated by the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office flying in similar orbits are believed to monitor global naval activity.

1 40109U 14047A   26259.26004980  .00000134  00000-0  23463-3 0  9992
2 40109  63.3775 144.3126 0398205  15.1820 346.0757 13.45449506594698

Source of the keplerian elements: AFSPC