Space Brief 18 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force prioritizing military missions, testing new GPS satellite software, and international defense collaborations impacting space assets.
SHIYAN 1 (SY-1) (28220)
COSPAR: 2004-012A | Alt Name: Shiyan Weixing 1
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 18, 2004
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC3
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
28220
International Designator
2004-012A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:01:13 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.87°
Right Ascension
264.39°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
326.27°
Period
93.86 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SHIYAN 1 (SY-1)
Alternative Name
Shiyan Weixing 1
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
CASC
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 28220U 04012A 26185.20918121 .00018339 00000-0 55564-3 0 9999
2 28220 97.8685 264.3882 0004255 326.2717 33.8253 15.34206707213708
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SHIYAN 1 (SY-1), also known as Shiyan Weixing 1, is an Earth observation satellite launched on April 18, 2004, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center's LC3 pad using a Chang Zheng 2C launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 1 meter in length and diameter with a span of 3 meters and has a dry mass of 204 kilograms, which is identical to its launch mass. It was manufactured by DFH/HARB for the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and carries the Tansuo 1 payload. SHIYAN 1's power system consists of four deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries, and it has a box shape with two panels. The satellite's radar cross-section is 1.5466 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1
Diameter
1
Span
3
Dry Mass
204
Launch Mass
204
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
1.5466
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Tansuo 1
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Earth observation
Manufacturer
DFH/HARB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
SY
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
4 deployable fixed 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.
Starship Flight 12 Targets May 19 with Redesigned Ship | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship Flight 12 debut, while CRS-34 delivers 6,500 lbs of cargo to ISS aboard a Falcon 9.
X Report 31 Oct 2025
SpaceX prepares for its 100th Starlink launch while refining its lunar lander design for NASA's Artemis program amidst calls for architectural changes.
Artemis 2 Tracker - Follow Orion's Flight Path in 3D
Follow the complete Artemis II mission in KeepTrack's 3D tracker. Replay Orion's full flight path from launch through the lunar flyby to Pacific splashdown, and scrub to any moment of the ten-day mission.
X Report 25 Jan 2025
SpaceX advances Starship infrastructure, President Trump considers closing the National Space Council, and 23 new Starlink satellites boost global connectivity.
X Report 6 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves a milestone with its 350th successful mission, including a significant Starlink launch, while Starship advances in testing. Meanwhile, SpaceX boosts SiriusXM's satellite fleet and industry competitors make strides.
The Civilian Space Traffic System America Almost Didn't Build
For nearly two decades, the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have been the world's unofficial civilian space traffic control system. The Department of Commerce's Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) is now taking over that job for commercial satellite operators - in stages, against persistent congressional pressure to kill the program, and with Department of Defense advocates pushing to make it happen before it is too late.
X Report 7 Dec 2024
SpaceX celebrates 300 successful booster landings, further solidifying its dominance in reusable rocket technology.