X Report 15 Dec 2024
SpaceX faces a launch delay at Cape Canaveral and continues to advance Starship development.
ZHONGXING-2A (38352)
COSPAR: 2012-028A | Alt Name: Zhongxing 2A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2012
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC2
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 3B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
38352
International Designator
2012-028A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:40:00 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
1.50°
Right Ascension
83.68°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
22.86°
Period
1436.11 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ZHONGXING-2A
Alternative Name
Zhongxing 2A
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
ZZB
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 38352U 12028A 26185.02778574 -.00000281 00000-0 00000-0 0 9998
2 38352 1.4958 83.6820 0001967 22.8567 283.7475 1.00271093 51465
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Zhongxing-2A satellite (OBJECT_ID: 2012-028A) was launched on May 26, 2012, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (LC2), using a Chang Zheng 3B launch vehicle by CAST. It operates in a communication mission for ZZB (China Broadcasting Corporation). The satellite has a configuration based on the DFH-4 bus and measures approximately 5 meters in length with a diameter of 2.5 meters, and spans 30 meters when its components are deployed. Its dry mass is about 2,500 kilograms, while it weighed around 5,000 kilograms at launch. It uses two deployable solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as a box with two panels and has an RCS (Reaction Control System) of 19.9526 units.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5
Diameter
2.5
Span
30
Dry Mass
2500
Launch Mass
5000
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
19.9526
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Shentong-2 01 xing
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
CAST
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
DFH-4
Configuration
DFH-4 bus
Motor
TQS492-2
Equipment
Unknown
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.
Starship Flight 12 Debuts Ship V3 as SDA Reorganizes York Space | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX's Starship Flight 12 debuts Ship 39 and Booster 19 on May 19, while York Space faces investor confusion as Space Force reorganizes the Space Development Agency.
Space Brief 28 Mar 2025
Today's updates focus on significant developments in U.S. national security space launches, Army space training, potential shifts in satellite procurement strategies, and the Meteor 2-21 satellite.
The Day Columbia's Crew Shared Their Vision of Peace
Twenty-two years ago, the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia awakened to John Lennon's 'Imagine' and shared a profound message about unity and peace that would become part of their enduring legacy
Space Brief 26 Jan 2025
Spacewalks have resumed on the ISS, while Blue Origin prepares for a unique New Shepard mission. In other news, astronomers push for a ban on space ads and potential budget cuts threaten the JWST.
SpaceX S-1 Sinks Tesla 5%, Merger Talk Grows, X Report 2 Jun 2026
SpaceX IPO paperwork stokes Tesla merger predictions: the amended S-1 sank Tesla stock 5% in a day. Starlink stands at 10,492 working satellites.
Space Brief 23 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers the U.S. Space Force's substantial investments in commercial satellite services, a strategic military shift, Chinese space station upgrades, and NASA's policy changes.
X Report 1 Dec 2024
SpaceX continues its collaboration with the NRO, while gearing up for lunar missions and a contract for NASA's Dragonfly mission to Titan.