Space Brief 3 Oct 2025
Today's Space Brief delves into military satellite advancements and significant contract awards for space platforms, alongside pivotal European missile warning systems.
ZHONGXING-12 (39017)
COSPAR: 2012-067A | Alt Name: Zhongxing 12
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 27, 2012
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC2
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 3B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
39017
International Designator
2012-067A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:02:13 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
0.04°
Right Ascension
91.81°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
0.60°
Period
1436.10 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ZHONGXING-12
Alternative Name
Zhongxing 12
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
CHISAE
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 39017U 12067A 26185.16821049 -.00000195 00000-0 00000-0 0 9995
2 39017 0.0418 91.8146 0003178 0.5970 337.8412 1.00271854 49676
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The ZHONGXING-12 (Zhongxing 12) satellite was launched on November 27, 2012, from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, LC2, using the Chang Zheng 3B launch vehicle. It is a communication satellite with a Bus configuration of Spacebus 4000C2, manufactured by THALES for CHISAE. The spacecraft measures 5.1 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.2 meters, spanning approximately 37 meters due to its solar arrays. Its dry mass is 2000 kg and it was launched with a total mass of 5054 kg. It carries 28 C-band transponders and 28 Ku-band transponders for communication purposes. The satellite's power system consists of two deployable solar arrays and batteries, designed to operate for a lifespan of 15 years in orbit.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5.1
Diameter
2.2
Span
37
Dry Mass
2000
Launch Mass
5054
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
63.0957
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Zhongxing 12
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
THALES
Life Expectancy
15 years
Bus
Spacebus 4000C2
Configuration
Spacebus-4000C2
Motor
S400
Equipment
28 C-band transponders, 28 Ku-band transponders
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.
Space Brief 30 Oct 2025
Today's brief explores rising investments in space with defense ties, potential Space Force-NRO coordination, and more, offering insight into current military and defense satellite dynamics.
Space Brief 18 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the reentry of Firefly's Blue Ghost moon lander, a compelling study on space debris exacerbated by climate change, and new advancements from the Vera Rubin Observatory.
Space Brief 31 Oct 2025
Today we explore defense-driven shifts in satellite operations amid geopolitical tensions and innovative projects pushing the boundaries of space technology.
Space Brief 29 Apr 2025
Today's space brief covers significant advancements in military counter-drone capabilities, workforce challenges in the Navy related to DOGE budget cuts, and highlights Germany's rise in defense spending. We also shine a spotlight on the communications satellite INTELSAT 901.
Space Brief 2 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include new satellite launches by SpaceX, technical hiccups for an Indian navigation satellite, and insights into the future of satellite servicing.
The Bomb That NASA Built by Accident
An overlooked thermostat, eight hours of overheating on a Florida launch pad, and 200,000 miles of coasting through deep space. Then Oxygen Tank No. 2 tore itself apart, and three men had to figure out how to come home alive in a spacecraft designed to land on the Moon.
Space Force Opens Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Pads to New Launch Providers | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force issues call for launch providers at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg. Vandenberg opens Space Launch Complex 14 bidding with Feb 12 deadline. Electra pitches hybrid aircraft to Pentagon.