X Report 21 Feb 2025
SpaceX's Falcon 9 achieves another milestone with successful international launch; Elon Musk discusses the future of the ISS; SpaceX prepares for its 450th Falcon launch.
CHINASAT 31 (BEIDOU-1 G2) (26643)
COSPAR: 2000-082A | Alt Name: Beidou DSW 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 20, 2000
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC2
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 3A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26643
International Designator
2000-082A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:52:45 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
12.61°
Right Ascension
27.19°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
89.13°
Period
1450.85 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CHINASAT 31 (BEIDOU-1 G2)
Alternative Name
Beidou DSW 2
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
CNSA
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 26643U 00082A 26184.49497166 -.00000154 00000-0 00000-0 0 9999
2 26643 12.6134 27.1858 0080552 89.1339 272.0523 0.99251976 52235
Source: Celestrak
Summary
CHINASAT 31 (BEIDOU-1 G2) is a navigation satellite launched by CNSA on December 20, 2000, from Xichang Satellite Launch Center using Chang Zheng 3A launch vehicle. The spacecraft, based on the DFH-3 Bus configuration and manufactured by CAST, measures 3 meters in length with a diameter of 1.7 meters and spans 18 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It has a dry mass of 1300 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 2311 kilograms. The satellite is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries and features a Box + 2 Pan shape with an RCS (Reflectivity) value of 6.8204. It uses FY-25 motors for propulsion and its purpose is to support the Beidou navigation system, operating in orbit for a planned lifetime of five years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3
Diameter
1.7
Span
18
Dry Mass
1300
Launch Mass
2311
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
6.8204
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Beidou-1 G2
Purpose
Navigation
Mission
Navigation
Manufacturer
CAST
Life Expectancy
5 years
Bus
DFH-3
Configuration
DFH-3 Bus
Motor
FY-25
Equipment
?
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 28 May 2025
Today's briefing covers SpaceX's ambitious launch and temporary setback with their Super Heavy booster, adjustments in South African telecommunications laws influenced by Starlink, and the U.S. Navy's strategic shifts amidst changes in unmanned combatant acquisitions.
Space Brief 18 Sep 2024
Today's Space Brief covers Rocket Lab's IoT satellite launch, SpaceX's European Galileo satellites, FAA's fine on SpaceX, Polaris Dawn mission achievements, and more.
Space Brief 21 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a significant signals intelligence launch, a record-breaking satellite deployment in China, a glimpse into the newest stealth drone, a potential delay for NASA's lunar lander, and more exciting updates from satellite world.
Space Brief 5 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the new Space Force operations doctrine, international defense collaborations by the UAE, and satellite tracking technology innovations.
Space Brief 29 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief discusses significant military satellite launches, groundbreaking agreements for lunar nuclear power, and Italy's satellite strategy dilemma. Additionally, we cover the Dream Chaser's upcoming demonstration flight and new Pentagon contracts for rocket motor production.
Space Brief 16 Jan 2025
Explore today's pivotal news in space with highlights on record government space budgets, military satellite developments, and significant industry shifts.
Space Brief 25 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief covers pivotal updates in military space capabilities, defense acquisitions, the UK's nuclear enhancements, and Boeing's financial challenges.