Space Brief 24 Oct 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX Crew-8's return, Intelsat-33e satellite breakup, SpaceX's upcoming Starship tests, and notable launches including China's new mega-constellation.
SZ-3 MODULE (27408)
COSPAR: 2002-014C | Alt Name: Shenzhou 3 Guidao Cang
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
27408
International Designator
2002-014C
Decay Date
11/12/2002
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SZ-3 MODULE
Alternative Name
Shenzhou 3 Guidao Cang
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
CMSEO
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The SZ-3 MODULE, also known as Shenzhou 3 Guidao Cang, is an orbital module satellite belonging to the Shenzhou OM bus series launched by China on March 25, 2002. It was deployed from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSC) using launch pad LC921 and carried into orbit by a Chang Zheng 2F launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 2.3 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 4.3 meters. Both its dry mass and launch mass are recorded at 1700 kg. Its shape is described as cylindrical with two panels, and it has an RCS (Reaction Control System) area of 1.2589 square meters. The orbital module was manufactured by CALT (China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology), owned by CMSEO (China Manned Space Engineering Office), and stabilized in orbit on April 1, 2002.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.3
Diameter
2.8
Span
4.3
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
1700
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
1.2589
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Shenzhou 3 orbital module
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
CALT
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Shenzhou OM
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 3 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to expand its reach with the successful launch of more Starlink satellites while exploring innovative military applications for satellite communications.
2 Starshield Sats Fly on Rare Public Mission | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX publicly confirmed 2 Starshield government satellites launched from Vandenberg on June 6, a rare disclosure for the classified Starlink variant.
X Report 16 Dec 2024
SpaceX announces SPHEREx launch date for February 2025, and Airbus completes delivery of Thuraya 4 satellite for upcoming launch.
Van Allen Probe A Reenters After 14 Years; NASA Designates Starliner Type A Mishap | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's 590 kg Van Allen Probe A reentered March 10 after 14 years studying Earth's radiation belts. Meanwhile, Boeing Starliner classified as Type A mishap after leaving astronauts stranded on ISS.
SpaceX Wins $2.29B Space Force LEO Comms Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX awarded $2.29 billion to build Space Force's LEO communications backbone, integrating with SDA Transport layer satellites for military tactical data relay through space.
US Agency Will Not Reinstate $900 Mln Subsidy for SpaceX Starlink Unit
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission reaffirms its decision to deny SpaceX's Starlink unit $885.5 million in rural broadband subsidies, impacting the company's plans for expanding internet access.
New Glenn Achieves First Booster Reuse on Mission 3 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn successfully reused its first stage booster for the first time on Mission 3, launching April 19. Booster reuse accelerates operational tempo.