Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Hotfire Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin lost New Glenn during static fire testing at Launch Complex 36. Vehicle sustained serious damage in anomaly. NASA Artemis timeline impacts possible.
SHENZHOU-3 (SZ-3) (27397)
COSPAR: 2002-014A | Alt Name: Shenzhou 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 25, 2002
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC921
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2F
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
27397
International Designator
2002-014A
Decay Date
4/1/2002
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SHENZHOU-3 (SZ-3)
Alternative Name
Shenzhou 3
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
CMSEO
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
SHENZHOU-3 (SZ-3), also known as Shenzhou 3, is a crewed spacecraft launched by China on March 25, 2002, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center's LC921 launch pad using a Chang Zheng 2F launch vehicle. The satellite has a configuration that includes a service module, return module, and autonomous orbital module. It measures 10 meters in length with a diameter of 3.2 meters and spans 10 meters, with a dry mass of 3,300 kilograms. Equipped with four deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation, the spacecraft was manufactured by CALT (China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology) and owned by CMSEO (China Manned Space Engineering Office). The satellite's primary mission is to serve as a crewed spacecraft, featuring 4 retro motors for propulsion and an RCS value of 4.0967. The shape of SHENZHOU-3 consists of cylindrical and conical sections.
Physical Characteristics
Length
10
Diameter
3.2
Span
10
Dry Mass
3300
Launch Mass
3300
Shape
Cyl + Cone + Cyl
Radar Cross Section
4.0967
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Shenzhou 3 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.
Space Brief 6 Sep 2025
Today's brief covers China's latest experimental launch to GEO and new commercial satellites, insights from hyperspectral imagery on underground structures, and the Space Force's material testing for Mars missions.
Space Force Awards $54.5M to Starfish Space for GEO Servicing | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards $54.5M to Starfish Space for GEO satellite servicing vehicle. Artemis II heads to launch pad for first crewed Moon flyby in 54 years. Crew-12 confirmed.
X Report 16 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites while marking a significant milestone with the 500th Falcon 9 mission. Additionally, the company is preparing for further testing of its Starship system and has begun collaborating with Amazon on their Project Kuiper constellation.
X Report 9 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to make strides with successful satellite launches and competitive maneuvering in the direct-to-device market, as AST SpaceMobile aligns with Verizon for space-based cellular services.
Starlink Satellite Count Hits 10,168, X Report 5 Apr 2026
Starlink satellite count for April 2026: 10,177 in orbit, 10,168 working from 11,724 launched. No new anomalies, four reentries expected Apr 5-7.
Space Brief 9 Sep 2025
Explore the latest advancements in satellite technology, military satellite applications, and collaborative efforts in hypersonic vehicle tracking. Discover the transformative power of new deals shaping global communication networks.
Crew-11 Emergency Evacuation Raises Space Rescue Alarm | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX Crew-11 made an emergency return from the ISS on Jan. 15 after a medical crisis, spotlighting gaps in space rescue infrastructure.