Space Brief 28 Dec 2025
Exploring the future of space with concerns on space debris, rapid growth in orbital data centers, and new developments at launch sites.
FENGYUN 2A (24834)
COSPAR: 1997-029A | Alt Name: Feng Yun 2A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 10, 1997
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC3
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 3
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24834
International Designator
1997-029A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:12:02 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
15.66°
Right Ascension
5.97°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
238.62°
Period
1499.19 min
Mean Motion
0.96 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
FENGYUN 2A
Alternative Name
Feng Yun 2A
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
NSMC
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 24834U 97029A 26184.75835690 -.00000212 00000-0 00000-0 0 9998
2 24834 15.6608 5.9716 0104104 238.6172 127.1228 0.96051973103564
Source: Celestrak
Summary
FENGYUN 2A (also known as Feng Yun 2A) is a meteorological satellite operated by NSMC and manufactured by SISE in China. It was launched on June 10, 1997, from Xichang Satellite Launch Center's LC3 pad using the Chang Zheng 3 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 3 meters in length and diameter and spans across 3 meters. Its dry mass is 600 kilograms, and it had a launch mass of 651 kilograms. FENGYUN 2A is equipped with solar cells and batteries for power supply, and its mission is to conduct meteorological observations from space. The satellite has a shape described as cylindrical with antennas (Cyl + Ant), and its reflective cross-section area (RCS) is measured at 20 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3
Diameter
2.1
Span
3
Dry Mass
600
Launch Mass
651
Shape
Cyl + Ant
Radar Cross Section
20
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
FY-2 01 xing
Purpose
Meteorology
Mission
Meteorology
Manufacturer
SISE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
FY-2
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Shanxi AKM
Equipment
Unknown
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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