GAOFEN 3

NORAD ID: 41727

Int'l Code: 2016-049A

Launch date: August 9, 2016
Source: People's Republic of China (PRC)
Launch site: Taiyaun Space Center, China (TSC)

GAOFEN 3 is a radar imaging satellite, made by the China Academy of Space Technology. GAOFEN 3 is the sixth satellite to launch in the Gaofen series. It is also the first civilian Earth observation satellite with radar imaging. The satellite will provide high-quality, reliable and quantitative images for ocean monitoring, water conservancy monitoring and disaster monitoring. Gaofen 3 is part of the China High-resolution Earth Observation System, or CHEOS, a network of satellites supplying near-realtime data to Chinese government agencies. Gaofen 3's radar instrument has 12 imaging modes, ranging from wide-area imaging to close-up shots with a best resolution of 1 meter, or approximately 3.3 feet. That will allow the spacecraft to provide clear views of roads, buildings and boats.

1 41727U 16049A   26228.30395920  .00000107  00000-0  45735-4 0  9998
2 41727  98.4032 235.1885 0001412  64.4958 295.6378 14.42222085527313

Source of the keplerian elements: AFSPC