Space Brief 9 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin’s new defense launch contracts, the ISS launch of a Navy SEAL astronaut, Sierra Space’s GPS security advancements for the U.S. Space Force, and the Space Force's 'Orbital Watch' initiative.
Launch Date
October 5, 1990
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LA2B
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2C
NORAD ID
20838
International Designator
1990-089A
Decay Date
10/23/1990
Name
FSW-1 3
Alternative Name
Fanhui Shi Weixing (12)
Type
Status
Owner
MAI2
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
1.6
Diameter
2.2
Span
2.2
Dry Mass
1280
Launch Mass
1280
Shape
Frust
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Jianbing-1A No. 3
Purpose
Reconnaissance, Earth observation, Micro-gravity
Mission
Reconnaissance, Earth observation, Micro-gravity
Manufacturer
CAST
Life Expectancy
7 - 10 days
Bus
FSW
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
FG-23 retro motor
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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