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SHIYAN 7 (SY-7) (39208)
COSPAR: 2013-037A | Alt Name: Shiyan Weixing 7
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 19, 2013
Launch Site
Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center
Launch Pad
LC9
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
39208
International Designator
2013-037A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:04:29 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
98.09°
Right Ascension
188.12°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.90°
Period
97.81 min
Mean Motion
14.72 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SHIYAN 7 (SY-7)
Alternative Name
Shiyan Weixing 7
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
CNSA
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
In August 2013, SHIYAN 7 performed rendezvous operations with its companion payload, Chuangxin-3, supporting speculations of a robotic arm-wielding satellite tasked with rendezvous proximity operations (RPO). Later, SHIYAN 7 shifted to rendezvous with Shijian 7 with whom it maintained proximity from 19 to 20 August 2013 until it maneuvered into a 5 km lower orbit. Around 19 October 2013, SHIYAN 7 maneuvered to a 1 km higher orbit and released a previously untracked object, designated Shiyan 7B, believed to be a subsatellite for RPO experiments.
Latest TLEs
1 39208U 13037A 26184.96144867 .00000739 00000-0 12491-3 0 9991
2 39208 98.0888 188.1224 0009284 92.8992 267.3277 14.72305439694677
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SHIYAN 7 (SY-7), also known as Shiyan Weixing 7, is a Chinese satellite with the NORAD catalog ID of 39208 and object ID 2013-037A. It was launched on July 19, 2013, from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center’s LC9 pad using a Chang Zheng 4C launch vehicle. The satellite is part of the SY series, with a configuration known as CAST3000, and it weighs 500 kg at launch. Its dimensions are 1 meter in length and diameter, with a span of 3 meters. SHIYAN 7 is equipped with a teleoperated robotic arm designed for capturing other space objects.
The satellite’s mission focuses on technology demonstration related to rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). It features solar arrays providing power to onboard systems and uses three-axis stabilization for its attitude control system. The spacecraft has a shape described as a box with two panels and a boom, and it is primarily composed of aluminum and composite materials.
In August 2013, SHIYAN 7 performed rendezvous operations with the companion payload Chuangxin-3, supporting speculations about its robotic arm-wielding capabilities for RPO tasks. Later, in October 2013, it maneuvered to a higher orbit and released Shiyan 7B, believed to be a subsatellite used for RPO experiments.
The satellite's operational status was last confirmed as of February 2025. It is owned by CNSA (China National Space Administration) and its payload includes Tansuo 4A. The satellite’s major events highlight its involvement in various rendezvous operations, demonstrating advancements in space robotics and proximity operation technologies.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1
Diameter
1
Span
3
Dry Mass
500
Launch Mass
500
Shape
Box with two panels and a boom
Radar Cross Section
1.8615
Visual Magnitude
5
Color
Silver
Material Composition
Aluminum and composite materials
Technical Details
Payload
Tansuo 4A
Purpose
Technology
Mission
Technology demonstration focusing on rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) and testing of a robotic arm for capturing space objects.
Manufacturer
DFHZ
Life Expectancy
Operational as of February 2025.
Bus
SY
Configuration
CAST3000
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Equipped with a teleoperated robotic arm designed to capture other space objects.
Power System
Solar arrays providing power to onboard systems.
ADCS
Three-axis stabilization
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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