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Today's brief covers the latest in satellite technology contracts, China's rocket launch ambitions, and new launch authorizations paving the way for space exploration advancements.
HEAD-1 (43011)
COSPAR: 2017-072B | Alt Name: HEAD-1
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 14, 2017
Launch Site
TAISC
Launch Pad
LC9
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43011
International Designator
2017-072B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 07:49:36 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
98.95°
Right Ascension
204.29°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
102.67°
Period
100.78 min
Mean Motion
14.29 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
HEAD-1
Alternative Name
HEAD-1
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
HEAD
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 43011U 17072B 26185.32611843 .00000396 00000-0 17562-3 0 9998
2 43011 98.9540 204.2910 0011140 102.6667 257.5760 14.28808972449805
Source: Celestrak
Summary
HEAD-1 is a satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 43011 and OBJECT ID 2017-072B, launched on November 14, 2017, from TAISC Launch Pad LC9 using the Chang Zheng 4C launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.5 meters in length, a diameter of 0.2 meters, and a span of 2 meters. The satellite weighs 45 kilograms at dry mass and launch mass. Its primary mission includes communication M2M/IoT and traffic monitoring, equipped with a high-performance AIS-receiver. It is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries and has a box plus 2 pan shape. The expected operational lifetime of HEAD-1 is between 2 to 3 years. The satellite was manufactured by LIZH/SAST and owned by HEAD, with the payload designated as Hede-1.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.5
Diameter
0.2
Span
2
Dry Mass
45
Launch Mass
45
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Hede-1
Purpose
Communication M2M/IoT, traffic monitoring
Mission
Communication M2M/IoT, traffic monitoring
Manufacturer
LIZH/SAST
Life Expectancy
2-3 years
Bus
HEAD-1
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
high performance AIS-receiver
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
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