X Report 13 Aug 2025
SpaceX continues to innovate as it nears peak Falcon 9 launch rates while refining technologies pivotal for future Mars missions.
SPARK 2 (41901)
COSPAR: 2016-081D | Alt Name: SPARK-02
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 21, 2016
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC603
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
41901
International Designator
2016-081D
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:59:50 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.55°
Right Ascension
175.49°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
272.17°
Period
98.69 min
Mean Motion
14.59 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SPARK 2
Alternative Name
SPARK-02
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SECM
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 41901U 16081D 26185.20822136 .00000627 00000-0 14336-3 0 9992
2 41901 98.5497 175.4868 0024012 272.1714 87.6735 14.59183407506606
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SPARK 2, also known as SPARK-02, is an Earth observation satellite with the OBJECT_ID 2016-081D and NORAD_CAT_ID 41901. Launched on December 21, 2016, from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSC) using a Chang Zheng 2D launch vehicle from LC603, it was manufactured by SECM and is owned by the same entity. The satellite employs the WN5000 bus configuration, measures 0.6 meters in length with a diameter of 0.4 meters and a span of 1 meter, and has a dry mass of 43 kilograms. Equipped with a hyperspectral imager as its primary equipment, SPARK 2 uses two deployable fixed solar arrays for power generation alongside batteries. Its shape is described as Box + 2 pan, and it features an RCS value of 0.236 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.6
Diameter
0.4
Span
1
Dry Mass
43
Launch Mass
43
Shape
Box + 2 pan
Radar Cross Section
0.236
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Spark-02
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Earth observation
Manufacturer
SECM
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Spark
Configuration
WN5000 bus
Motor
?
Equipment
Hyperspectral imager
Power System
2 deployable fixed 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 14 Feb 2025
Key developments include Redwire's contract for a US Space Force mission, UK's steps toward its first orbital launch, and a detailed military satellite spotlight.
Worker Dies at Starbase Ahead of Starship V3 Debut | KeepTrack X Report
A fatality at SpaceX's Starbase shakes the program as Starship V3, standing 124 m tall with Raptor 3 engines, nears its maiden flight.
Space Brief 29 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers closer military and intelligence space integration, new satellite servicing advancements, and more insightful defense and space news.
Space Brief 10 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers China's record-breaking launch year, SpaceX's continued Starlink deployments, Blue Origin's launch challenges, and innovations in satellite maneuverability.
Track the International Space Station
A look at how tracking the space station offers a unique view of space exploration.
Space Brief 21 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers the Space Force's strategic roadmap, a groundbreaking DARPA mission in Very Low Earth Orbit, and enhanced cyber defenses due to AI-driven threats.
X Report 24 Sep 2025
SpaceX prepares for the launch of significant NASA and NOAA missions, while Starship's 11th test flight edges closer.