ESA's Proba-3 Formation-Flyer Goes Silent | KeepTrack Space Brief
ESA's Proba-3 spacecraft lost contact last month, grounding the dual-satellite solar eclipse mission. Formation flying between both craft is critical for coronagraph science.
SHENZHOU-2 (SZ-2) (26664)
COSPAR: 2001-001A | Alt Name: Shenzhou 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 9, 2001
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC921
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2F
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26664
International Designator
2001-001A
Decay Date
1/16/2001
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SHENZHOU-2 (SZ-2)
Alternative Name
Shenzhou 2
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
CMSEO
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
SHENZHOU-2 (SZ-2), also known as Shenzhou 2, is a crewed spacecraft launched on January 9, 2001, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using LC921 launch pad and Chang Zheng 2F launch vehicle. The spacecraft was manufactured by CALT for CMSEO (China Manned Space Engineering Office) and consists of a service module, return module, and autonomous orbital module. Its configuration is cylindrical with conical sections and has dimensions of 10 meters in length and 3.2 meters in diameter. SHENZHOU-2 weighs approximately 3,300 kg at launch and dry mass. It is powered by four deployable solar arrays and batteries, and its propulsion system includes four retro motors. The satellite's purpose is to serve as a crewed spacecraft with a payload of the Shenzhou 2 Fanhui Cang module.
Physical Characteristics
Length
10
Diameter
3.2
Span
10
Dry Mass
3300
Launch Mass
3300
Shape
Cyl + Cone + Cyl
Radar Cross Section
19
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Shenzhou 2 Fanhui Cang
Purpose
Crewed spacecraft
Mission
Crewed spacecraft
Manufacturer
CALT
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Shenzhou
Configuration
Service module, Return module, Autonomous orbital Module
Motor
4 x retro motors
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
4 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 23 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to break records with its Falcon 9 missions while facing public scrutiny from Elon Musk regarding NASA's leadership. Meanwhile, satellite spectrum battles heat up as Lynk Global and Omnispace prepare to merge.
The Day NASA Chose Its First Space Pioneers
Sixty-four years ago, NASA made a decision that would shape the future of human spaceflight by selecting three astronauts to compete for America's first journey into space
FAA Approves Starship Launches from LC-39A, FCC Accepts Orbital Data Center Filing | KeepTrack X Report
FAA approves SpaceX Starship launches from Kennedy Space Center LC-39A. FCC accepts 1-million satellite orbital data center filing. Canada ranks as 5th largest Starlink market.
Space Brief 13 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's launch delay, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink mission, and highlights the YAOGAN-43 O1C satellite.
Space Brief 16 Dec 2024
Today's briefing covers the ULA's military application for Vulcan's upper stage, FAA's efforts to expedite launch licensing, and a fascinating flyby of Mercury by BepiColombo.
Space Force Awards $1.8B Andromeda Program to 14 Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force selects 14 companies for $1.8 billion Andromeda program to replace GSSAP geosynchronous surveillance satellites with commercial alternatives through 2036.
X Report 14 Jun 2025
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with the launch of new Starlink satellites and the production of its 10 millionth Starlink kit amidst ongoing challenges with space station delays.