YAOGAN-21 (40143)

COSPAR: 2014-053A | Alt Name: Yaogan Weixing 21

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

September 8, 2014

Launch Site

TAISC

Launch Pad

LC9

Launch Vehicle

Chang Zheng 4B

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

40143

International Designator

2014-053A

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:31:11 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

97.15°

Right Ascension

224.78°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

43.87°

Period

94.33 min

Mean Motion

15.27 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

YAOGAN-21

Alternative Name

Yaogan Weixing 21

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

ZZB

Country

China

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 40143U 14053A   26185.27166142  .00008196  00000-0  31499-3 0  9999

2 40143  97.1458 224.7759 0009053  43.8656 316.3301 15.26630130657566

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The YAOGAN-21 satellite, also known as Yaogan Weixing 21, was launched on September 8, 2014, from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center (TAISC), LC9 launch pad, using a Chang Zheng 4B rocket. It operates under the ownership of ZZB and serves an Earth observation mission with the Jianbing-10 payload. The satellite is based on the Phoenix-Eye-2 bus configuration and has dimensions of 2 meters in length and diameter, and spans 8 meters. Its dry mass is 3000 kg, identical to its launch mass. It uses two deployable solar arrays for power generation along with batteries. The shape of the satellite is described as a box with two panels, and it has an RCS (Reflective Cross Section) value of 4.9968. Manufactured by CAST, YAOGAN-21 is primarily used for Earth observation purposes.

Physical Characteristics

Length

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

3000

Launch Mass

3000

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

4.9968

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Jianbing-10 03 xing

Purpose

Earth observation

Mission

Earth observation

Manufacturer

CAST

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

JB-10

Configuration

Phoenix-Eye-2 bus

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

NASA Postpones Spacewalk Over Medical Concern, Sierra Space Delivers SDA Satellites Early | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA delays first 2026 spacewalk due to ISS crew medical issue. Sierra Space completes SDA Tranche 2 satellite structures ahead of schedule. Space Force advances Handle 2.0 standardization.

X Report 10 Feb 2025

SpaceX prepares for Starship Flight 8 with successful booster static fire; Starlink continues its expansion.

X Report 21 Oct 2025

NASA considers opening the Artemis 3 lander to new bids as delays surface, while SpaceX gears up for multiple Falcon 9 launches this week and secures a redevelopment nod for SLC-6.

X Report 14 Jul 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the Dror 1 satellite for Israel Aerospace Industries, marking another step forward in their launch capabilities.

The Rise of Super Heavy-Lift Rockets

Super heavy-lift rockets are the most powerful launch vehicles ever built. They can send humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. But what are they, and why are they so important?

SpaceX Acquires xAI, Amazon Buys 10 More Falcon 9 Launches | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX officially acquires xAI for orbital data centers. Amazon buys 10 additional Falcon 9 launches for Project Kuiper. Starlink helps Iranian protesters bypass blackout.

SpaceX Wins $57M Golden Dome Satellite Crosslink Deal | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX secures $57 million military contract for Link-182 satellite crosslink demo supporting Golden Dome missile defense. Also joins software working group.

Space Force Halts All Vulcan Missions Over Solid Booster Issue | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force suspends all Vulcan launches pending solid rocket booster investigation. Rocket Lab scrubs HASTE hypersonic vehicle launch. Military space funding hits record highs.