TIANLIAN 1-04

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TIANLIAN 1-04 is classified as:

Geostationary

NORAD ID: 41869

Int'l Code: 2016-072A

Perigee: 35,720.5 km

Apogee: 35,866.1 km

Inclination: 0.2 °

Period: 1,436.1 minutes

Semi major axis: 42164 km

RCS: Unknown

Launch date: November 22, 2016
Source: People's Republic of China (PRC)
Launch site: Xichang Space Center, China (XSC)

TIANLIAN 1-04 is a new member of a network of geostationary data relay satellites tasked with keeping mission control in steady contact with Shenzhou crew capsules and a planned space station. The satellite is the fourth in China's Tianlian 1 series, joining data relay stations launched in 2008, 2011 and 2012. Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, the fourth Tianlian 1 satellite will join its counterparts to achieve global network operation. The network is expected to provide data relay, measurement and control services for China's manned spacecraft, space labs and space stations. The network will also offer data relay services for the country's medium- and low-Earth orbiting resources satellites, as well as measurement and control support for spacecraft launches. The Tianlian satellites are similar in function to NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellites.