X Report 30 Dec 2024
SpaceX wraps up the year with significant launches, including a record-setting Astranis deployment and Starlink missions signaling the year's end.
GAOFEN-2 (40118)
COSPAR: 2014-049A | Alt Name: Gao Fen 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 19, 2014
Launch Site
TAISC
Launch Pad
LC9
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40118
International Designator
2014-049A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:07:21 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.01°
Right Ascension
249.53°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
166.95°
Period
97.24 min
Mean Motion
14.81 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
GAOFEN-2
Alternative Name
Gao Fen 2
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
CNSAS
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 40118U 14049A 26185.33844080 .00000772 00000-0 10677-3 0 9994
2 40118 98.0099 249.5289 0007407 166.9527 193.1878 14.80917501641772
Source: Celestrak
Summary
GAOFEN-2, also known as Gao Fen 2, is an Earth observation satellite launched by CNSAS on August 19, 2014, from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center (TAISC) using the Chang Zheng 4B launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 1.9 meters in length, has a diameter of 1.5 meters, and a span of 4 meters. It was manufactured by DFHZ with a configuration type CS-L3000A based on the LS-3000A bus design. GAOFEN-2 has a dry mass of 2100 kg and a launch mass of 2100 kg as well. The satellite is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries, with an RCS (Reaction Control System) area of 3.506 square meters. Its shape consists of a box structure with two panels. The mission's expected lifetime ranges from 5 to 8 years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.9
Diameter
1.5
Span
4
Dry Mass
2100
Launch Mass
2100
Shape
Box+2 pan
Radar Cross Section
3.506
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Gaofen 2
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Earth observation
Manufacturer
DFHZ
Life Expectancy
5 - 8 years
Bus
LS-3000A
Configuration
CS-L3000A
Motor
AOCS
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.
SpaceX Valued at $1.25T as IPO Signals Intensify | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX hits a $1.25 trillion valuation as IPO speculation mounts, Starlink 17-17 lifts off from Vandenberg, and a quantum sensor rides to orbit.
X Report 20 Oct 2025
SpaceX made significant strides with the successful launch of Starlink satellites and the approval for the redevelopment of SLC-6, reinforcing its foothold in commercial spaceflight.
X Report 29 Mar 2025
Starlink gains ground in geopolitical shifts, while SpaceX makes progress on next-gen facilities and prepares for Crew-11 mission to ISS.
X Report 29 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the Transporter-15 rideshare mission, deploying 140 payloads including significant international contributions. Meanwhile, the company progresses with Booster 19 stacking after the recent Booster 18 anomaly.
X Report 2 Jun 2025
SpaceX delays the launch of 23 Starlink satellites due to geomagnetic storm concerns, adjusting the schedule for an upcoming Falcon 9 mission.
Falcon 9 Booster Sets 33-Flight Reuse Record, X Report 23 Feb 2026
Falcon 9 booster reuse record: SpaceX's most-flown booster flew a 33rd flight Feb 21 with 28 Starlink V2 Minis. Two launches in a day; 9,779 on orbit.
Space Brief 25 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.