Space Brief 24 Oct 2025
Today's Space Brief covers China's latest satellite launch, Russian threats to UK satellites, European defense strategies, and upcoming satellite launches from SatLeo and Quantum Space.
STTW-3 (19710)
COSPAR: 1988-111A | Alt Name: Zhongxing 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 22, 1988
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC3
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 3
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
19710
International Designator
1988-111A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:06:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
14.04°
Right Ascension
345.44°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
182.04°
Period
1436.63 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STTW-3
Alternative Name
Zhongxing 2
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
CHIS
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 19710U 88111A 26185.08795160 .00000124 00000-0 00000-0 0 9992
2 19710 14.0414 345.4382 0004416 182.0450 188.7719 1.00234913131018
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STTW-3 satellite, also known as Zhongxing 2, was launched on December 22, 1988, from Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XICLF), using the Chang Zheng 3 launch vehicle from LC3 pad. It is a communication satellite manufactured by CAST with a DFH-2 Bus configuration and owned by CHIS. The satellite measures 1.6 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.1 meters, spans 2.1 meters, and has a dry mass of 460 kilograms. Equipped with two C-band transponders for its communication mission, STTW-3 uses solar cells and batteries for power supply. It was launched at the same time it became operational (Stable Date), indicating immediate deployment into service. The satellite’s shape is cylindrical with antennas attached, and its reflective surface area (RCS) measures 6.3096 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.6
Diameter
2.1
Span
2.1
Dry Mass
460
Launch Mass
460
Shape
Cyl + Ant
Radar Cross Section
6.3096
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DFH 2A-2
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
CAST
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
DFH-2
Configuration
DFH-2 Bus
Motor
AKM
Equipment
2 C-band transponders
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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