YAOGAN 20A

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YAOGAN 20A is classified as:

Yaogan

NORAD ID: 40109

Int'l Code: 2014-047A

Perigee: 971.8 km

Apogee: 1,222.6 km

Inclination: 63.4 °

Period: 107.0 minutes

Semi major axis: 7468 km

RCS: Unknown

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   19233.66758748 -.00000023  00000-0  10477-3 0  9997
2 40109  63.4014 309.9901 0167915   4.9461 355.3185 13.45181648247316

Source of the keplerian elements: AFSPC